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SOUL- WINNERS’ SECRETS 


A PRIMARY REVIVAL TEXT-BOOK 
FOR CHRISTIAN WORKERS 


BY 


G. F. OLIVER. D. D. 


138784 


CINCINNATI: JENNINGS & PYE 
NEW YORK: EATON & MAINS 


RAMEY 
Bua. 4. 


aM Drgr Sch. R. 
SEUETY Sug 


‘ 


PREFACE. 


Tus booklet contains some conclusions 
formed during twenty-five years’ study and 
practice of pastoral evangelism. Revival 
literature and wide observation of evangel- 
ists of various denominations have led to 
the conviction that all good methods are the 
result of a few principles applied with per- 
sistent purpose. So instead of enlarging 
upon details of work we have furnished cer- 
tain open secrets, with some practical sugges- 
tions that have proved successful in widely 
differing fields. These points are prepared 
with special reference to the Forward Moye- 
ment of the Epworth League. 

The concise form to which we have been 
limited forbids the illustration and embel- 
lishment which perhaps would have rendered 

8 


138784 


4 PREFACE. 


these pages more attractive, though not 
more useful than the thoughtful reader may 
now find them. 

The topics treated, and the supplemental 
questions, are designed to furnish a compact 
Revival Text-book, which the writer humbly 
hopes may stimulate both the study and 
practice of soul-winning, especially among 
Methodist young people. 

Life and leadership are the demands of 
the opening century. ‘‘The secret of the 
Lord is with them that fear him; and he 
will show them his covenant.” ‘The night 
cometh when no man can work.” Alas for 
him whose talent the Master, when he 
cometh, shall find buried! 

If the Lord of the vineyard shall, through 
these pages, multiply his soul-winners and 
improve the methods of those already at 
work, they will prove an answer to the 
author’s prayer, and bring an ample reward. 

G. F. OLIVER. 

New Philadelphia, Ohio, 1901. 


~/" 


CONTENTS. 
PAGE 
ee WORTH OW Ae SOUL A accis-sscssssseceocans esccctatcaecsrs 7 
FP Mar MUO VE OW MOUEB cs sesteves sescacceasapenteqsotshovebanercesectats 15 
I. THe Sovut-wWInneEr’s LIBERTY... 24 
Ip OME TINT COTY, «cca dy cabs espns dongs ve sence eeaanaets 31 
VY. THe ATMOSPHERE OF PRAYER.........002000000- 37 
VI. Loyatty To THe Revivat Ipea.................. 44 
VIEL: E@RVIVAE: DISCOURBE) 1.00 occ. cst ccececagetetaere 49 
‘TEL STISIN tzu: (Gt 77 Wai ON 0) 6 Alpeitp ely a ce ao ROR oo 57 
TX. PERSONAL PERSUASION. ...0.....cccccccccsssessseceeeees 70 
EACH PALAUTATS | WY CRD ecru. ste seaejashchcdgne suasiettal Sy yuanantan 83 
BUN RRMPVEWAEs’ SINGIN GS 105; seu ccSertvosescasseseresshdnseterdosin 97 
Bee UES OM LOA WIE, bias. cpencasosvepseasssecvancceessasensteen 107 
MITT. TEstTiIMONY AND PRAISB..u.0.....cccsccccsscceessceeess 115 
XIV CHILDREN’S MBETINGS.Q...0.0.0:ccceccceseseseseaneees 127 


5 


SOUL-WINNERS’ SECRETS. 


I. 
WORTH OF A SOUL. 


No MAN can be a soul-winner who does not 
highly estimate the worth of asoul. A vision 
of values is the start of enterprise. vision of a 
He who can not appreciate the ‘Soul. 
pearl will not sell his property to buy the 
field that contains it. The larger vision of 
a dollar marks the distinction between a 
spendthrift and a money-maker. The path 
to knowledge is only trodden by the feet of 
him who counts all things loss for the excel- 
lency of the prize. It was this vision of the 
worth of a soul that suddenly transformed 
Saul from the relentless destroyer into the 

7 


8 Sou.-Winners’ SEoRETs. 


soul-loving missionary. If the game is not 
worth the powder, who will go gunning? 

An appreciation of the present and future 
worth of the treasure begets enthusiasm in 
its pursuit. He who prizes dollars more 
than knowledge will never be a scholar. Is 
a soul worth saving? ‘‘He that converteth 
a sinner from the error of his way shall save 
a soul from death, and shall hide a multi- 
tude of sins.”! ‘*They that be wise shall 
shine as the brightness of the firmament, 
and they that turn many to righteousness, 
as the stars, for ever and ever.”? ‘* He that 
winneth souls is wise.” 

Soul-saving work is wisdom of the highest 
grade. To be careless of souls is supreme 
Peril of Neg- folly and eternal forfeit. The 

lect. wail of ‘‘No man careth for my 
soul,” should strike alarm into every sleeping 
Christian. Thechildren of Abraham should 
listen to their father’s telephone message from 
Dives, ‘‘Send Lazarus to my father’s house, 


I James v, 20. 2Danie) xii, 3. 


Worts or A Sout. 9 


for I have five brethren, . . . lest they 
also come into this place of torment.”’! 

Measure the worth of a soul: 

First. By the price paid for it. Ye are 
ransomed by the cost of blood; the blood 
of the spotless Lamb of God has {ts worth 
infinite value. He would have died Measured. 
for the lowliest if there had been but one; 
for he tasted death for every man. If Jesus 
can afford to die for every soul, you and I 
can afford to join him in their rescue. If 
he finds it a good investment to sweat drops 
of blood, and break his heart over every lost 
soul lest he perish forever, why should not 
we lay down our lives for the brethren? If 
our Master can go without his dinner after 
a weary journey to lead a guilty Samaritan 
woman to the well of living water, may not 
a common disciple employ his busiest hours 
planning, toiling, and talking to point a 
wayward soul to the cross of hope? 

For Jesus’ sake it must be done. To 
~ 1 Luke xvi, 27, 28. 


10 Sout -Winners’ SECRETS. 


undervalue a soul is to discount the blood 
of atonement. To win a soul is to honor 
that sacrifice. To prize a soul beyond the 
body, health, learning, dollars, fame, and 
the world, is to put a premium on the love 
of the Christ heart. To slight souls is to 
spurn Calvary. 

Second. By the immortality it bears. The 
soul that sinneth, it shall die. The wages 
of sinis death. True, many souls 
seem worthless, but Jesus calls 
back, ‘‘ How much, then, is a man better 
than a sheep!”! We are tempted to feel 
that zeal for the weakly one is folly because 
it is waste labor. The Church will get no 
profit out of her investment. At best, many 
souls will prove only bric-a-brac instead of 
building timber or furniture in the temple 
of God. Yes, but eternal years, immortal 
sunshine, everlasting fruitage await the 
nursery trees that now seem to demand more 
care than they are worth. The smallest and 
~ 1 Matthew xii, 12. 


immortality. 


Worth or A Sovt. 11 


most dwarfed soul has an eternal outcome. 
Babes cost more than they bring at the start, 
but life is worth the love bestowed on them. 
The soul-winner shall shine forever, because 
the soul he wins will never cease to sing and 
shine forth the praise of the Lamb for sin- 
ners slain. 

Third. By its possibilities. The Phari- 
saical zealot will compass land and sea to 
make one proselyte if that convert 5... sours 
should promise advantage to his Present 
Church. Even zealous believers Poss!Mites- 
fix their covetous eyes upon the man that 
cometh in with a gold ring, while they exhort 
the Master or hint to the leader of the meet- 
ing to send the Canaanitish woman away for 
she crieth after us. There is a universal 
appreciation of the value of souls because of 
money or talents that promise large results 
for the present life; but when we remember 
that Jesus came to seek and to save the lost, 
and, further, that he gave special time and 
effort to this class of souls, we are justified 


12 Sour -Winners’ SEORETS. 


in making strong efforts for all men. We 
dare not undervalue any soul. The fisher- 
man and the tentmaker become apostles. 
The most unpromising child may become a 
future pillar in the Church. The poor boy 
may become the rich benefactor, while a 
reformed man often becomes a reformer by 
the grace of God. 

Besides, the eternal outcome of every soul 
is only measured by eternal growth and glory. 
These facts alone ought to make us restless 
to gather in the lost ones of every class. 

Believing as we do in the eternal doom of 
the impenitent, to save a soul from eternal 

Heaven’s death is a work to inspire the 
Philanthropy. most philanthropic heart. It is 
infinitely greater than zeal for the bodies of 
men, it is Heaven’s philanthropy. If it is 
heroic to rescue a life, it is Christly to save 
asoul. To cheat the grave is an honor, but 
to people heaven is glorious. This work will 
add luster to Christ’s crown, and will bring 
eternal fame and reward to the soul-winner. 


Worrts or A Soot. 138 


Supposing that many are fickle, and that 
multitudes backslide, it is nevertheless a 
holy work and worthy of angels to prevent 
sinning for a season. It is worthy of any 
physician to reduce pain and prolong life, 
though the patient die at last. How much 
more blessed to drain the pools of vice for a 
time, though Satan fill them again! If the 
Lord can afford to welcome backsliders, we 
may well labor to bring them home, and go 
after the truants again and again. This soul 
love is the genius of success. Itis the vision 
of the Son of God. It is the primary secret 
of the soul-winner. Without it we shall be 
spasmodic or selfish; with it we shall win 
badges of eternal honor, and lay up treasure 
in heaven. 


TOPICS OF INQUIRY. 


Give Bible examples of rich and poor sin- 
ners saved. Whyare poor converts often less 
popular than rich ones? What is the differ- 
ence in value between a man’s own soul and 


14 Sovt-WinneErs’ SEORETS. 


that of his neighbor? Does human and 
earthly affection increase the worth of a soul? 
How far should earthy love control our zeal 
to save others? Find Bible examples of the 
love of souls. How awaken a true estimate 
of the value of a soul? 


Il. 
LOVE OF SOULS. 


THE love of souls essential in a soul-win- 
ner is a gracious gift. It is never a natural 
impulse. It is superior tofriend- tq New 
ship, philanthropy, or kindness. Converts. 
It is a love of God shed abroad in the heart 
by the Holy Ghost. It is a divine instinct, 
a heaven-born inspiration. Young converts 
have it in its simplicity and heavenly purity. 
They are often the best workers in a revival. 
In the gush of their primitive love, see 
them start for their friends. They can 
hardly tell why, but they can not stay away. 
Older members wonder at their boldness. 
They perceive that they have been with Jesus 
and learned of him. These newly-commis- 

15 


16 Sovt-Winners’ SEoRETs. 


sioned workers produce speedy conviction, 
and often compel decision. The secret of 
the Lord, so often hid from the ‘‘ wise and 
prudent,” is revealed unto babes.! 
Repeated failures often bring on discour- 
agement and inaction, while the example of 
Origin ofa °Lder Christians leads to tempta- 
Burden tion and stagnation; but if the 
for Souls. divine instinct is maintained, it 
ripens into a habit and becomes a power for 
God. Napoleon said that failures instructed 
but never disheartened him. It is so witha 
heart bent on learning the soul-winning art. 
Practice and patience lead to tears of tri- 
umph, not of despair. Resistance in the 
sinner often causes heartache and tender- 
ness in the worker. Then comes on the 
burden of soul, which is one of the rare se- 
cret blessings of God. This burden often 
burns towards an individual soul. It may 
include a perfect stranger, or compass one 
or more friends. It is a weight of love on 
1 Matt. xi, 25. 


Love or Sovts. 1? 


the heart. If it is fostered in prayer it 
abides in hope. It may take a more general 
form, and then the soul of convert or pastor 
is lovingly distressed for a League, a Sunday- 
school, a class, a Church, or a whole city. 
It is not manufactured, it comes. It is the 
Divine consequence of following the Spirit. 
He who enters an open door of opportunity 
and talks with God will find the burden on 
him unawares. He will find it in duty, in 
prayer, in active persuasion, or in his 
thoughts for other souls. 

This love of souls must exist in the ferm 
of a lively, though variable, impulse before 
plans will be born or effort made i ove 
‘for their salvation. Christ’s own Crystals. 
heart is forever full of this love. He wills 
not that any perish. If his mind be in us 
we, too, will yearn with loving solicitude for 
the salvation of the perishing. As Jesus 
wept over Jerusalem, and Paul warned men 
day and night with tears, we ought to share 
the burden of the world’s need with more or 

2 


18 Sout -Winners’ SECRETS. 


less painful interest. The genuine love of 
God contains some love of souls. A general 
desire for their rescue includes the crystals 
of effort in solution. The intensity of spir- 
itual life will prompt toward loving methods 
for other hearts. 

Two suggestions follow these statements. 
To secure this love there must be the prac- 
The Practice *1ce Of evangelism. The fisher- 

of Winning man will soon lose the relish for 

Souls. fishing if he does not follow up 
his impulses in actual excursions to the river 
or lake. This precludes mere spasmodic or 
occasional effort for revival. It is these 
long vacations from evangelistic effort that 
cause rusty indolence. There may be seasons 
of regular service, or hours of faithful and 
formal worship; but if there be no inspira- 
tion to ply the art of soul-saving, let us not 
wonder that even sincere Christians lose 
zest, if not all fitness for winning souls. Let 
us not find fault if days, and often weeks, of 
special effort are necessary before fruit ap- 


Love oF Sovts. ‘19 


pears. Preachers and leaders must substi- 
tute the habit for the spasm of evangelism. 
We must grow in this grace by using the in- 
itial instinct for soul-winning. Personal 
effort must certainly be persistent and 
chronic. We shall learn the trade only by 
working it. Love for our calling is the 
secret of success; but love of the work can 
never be maintained without a growing love 
of souls. 

The second condition of progress is the 
renewal and quickening of soul love by close 
communion with God. Ashuman guickening 
love is kept aglow by compan- Power. 
ionship, so Christ’s fellowship alone can re- » 
new a perfect love in the heart. The quick- 
ening of the conscience is secured not by 
logic or facts, but by the touch of the Holy 
Spirit. This is why the disciples needed 
power from on high to prepare them for the 
primitive revival of Pentecost. It is a 
necessity that frequent supplies of the Spirit 
be sought and found. There can be no real 


20 Sout-WIinners’ SECRETS. 


revival spirit without the graces and gifts of 
the Holy Spirit. 

This heart’s desire of Paul, that Israel 
might be saved, which made him willing to 

Agonizing be accursed for his brethren’s 

for Souls. sake, and to be made all things 
to all men that he might by all means save 
some,! must abide as the ruling passion of 
the average worker. This longing for the 
salvation of souls, which made Moses willing 
to be blotted out of God’s book if his people 
be not pardoned,—this is the prophetic se- 
cret of victory. When Jacob cries out, ‘‘I 
will not let thee go except thou bless me,” 
his blessing is near at hand; and when Zion 
travaileth in pain she bringeth forth chil- 
dren. When John Knox prays, ‘‘Give me 
Scotland or I die;” or Whitefield cries, 
“¢ Give me souls or take my soul,” the world 
must soon know the blessing of such heart 
burdens. The intensity of the burden usually 
gives type to the conviction wrought, as well 
11 Gor.ix, 22 4Ex.xxxii,32. Isa, Ixyi, 8. 


Love or Sovuts. ‘27 


as clearness in the blessings received by the 
inquirer. The power of this love for others 
is the operation of the love of God through 
us. The soul-winner’s love for souls usually 
precedes the Savior’s visits. The general 
impulse, or particular yearning for souls, 
will crystallize into blessings. They never 
fail. 

President Finney speaks of a certain town 
where there had been no revival for many 
years. The Church was nearly run out, and 
desolation reigned. In a retired part of the 
town there lived an aged blacksmith, of 
stammering tongue. On one Friday his 
mind became greatly burdened for the 
Church and the impenitent. His anxiety 
increased till he locked up his shop that he 
might spend the afternoon in prayer. He 
called on his minister and desired him to 
appoint a meeting. It was done, and the 
house was filled with interested people. All 
was silent for a time, until one sinner broke 
out in tears and asked for prayers. Another 


22 SouL-Winners’ SECRETS. 


followed, and another, until the whole town 
was stirred, and what was remarkable, they 
all dated their conviction at the hour when 
the old man was praying in his shop. A 
powerful revival foliowed. 

The evangelistic passion permits us to see 
the travail of Christ’s soul, but it leads us, 
also, to behold with confidence the coming 
conquest. Without it we shall not have cer- 
tainty. With this fire aglow on our heart- 
altars, we shall receive Heayen’s first dis- 
patches of things to come. 

The importance and wisdom of this en- 
thusiasm for souls, as contrasted with ex- 

Pitchers Citement over mere things, is fitly 

or Souls? jllustrated by Joseph Cook. An 
unlettered but celebrated evangelist was ac- 
cused, in the presence of Harvard College, 
of leading audiences into excitement. ‘I 
have heard,” he replied, ‘‘of a traveler who 
saw at the roadside a woman weeping and 
beating her breast. He ran to her and 
asked, ‘What can I do for you?’ ‘My child 


Lover or Souts. 23 


is in the well!’ With swift dispatch the 
child was rescued. Further on this same 
traveler met another woman wailing also. 
He came to her relief, and cried, ‘ What is 
your anguish?’ ‘My pitcher is in the well!’ 
she cried, ‘My pitcher is in the well!’ 
Our great social and political excitements 
are about pitchers in wells. Our religious 
burdens should be to rescue the children 
and souls.” 


POINTS FOR INQUIRY. 


Does the lack of soul-burden indicate a 
want of spirituality or personal piety? May 
the burden of anxiety for others be lifted by 
prayer and changed to praise ? Who is most 
responsible for a prophetic burden for a re- 
vival? Name Scripture examples of deep 
heart-burden. Should I be as greatly bur- 
dened for the restoration or sanctification of 
believers as for the conversion of the world- 
ling? Is it selfish to desire the salvation of 
my own kindred before all others ? 


III. 
THE SOUL-WINNER’S LIBERTY. 


IF there is one word which may be called 
the key to success in soul-winning, that word 

Value of iSireedom. It implies both cour- 

Spiritual age and aptness. Whatever of 

Freedom. native forwardness and winsome- 
ness may be useful, the chief element of 
preparation is spiritual life. To win a soul 
to Christ, we must first know him. The 
Andrews and Philips must be able to say to 
their brothers: ‘*‘ We have found him of whom 
Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, 
Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”? A 
stream can not rise higher than the fountain. 
If you would save others, you must first be 


ijJohn 1, 45. 
24 


Tur Sovu.-Winner’s LIBERTY. 25 


saved yourself. ‘Whom the Son makes 
free, is free indeed.” A clear conversion is 
usually attended with much liberty of spirit 
on behalf of others; but if by disuse, or for 
other cause, there is a conscious bondage of 
fear, there can be no progress in leading a 
soul to Jesus. 

There must be, moreover, a joyous type of | 
life. With many Christians full of good 
desires, there is little joyfulness of spirit. 
They need to pray, ‘‘Restore unto me the 
joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with thy 
free spirit; then will I teach transgressors 
thy ways, and sinners shall be converted unto 
thee.”! This is the normal and healthy 
state of Christian life. If there be not in 
pastor or leader of public and personal revival 
work this exultant freedom of soul, there 
can be but little triumph. It must be sought; 
it may be found. No training in methods, 
nor instruction in doctrine, nor memorizing 
of Scripture will suffice. There must dwell in 
7 Psa, H, 12-13, 


26 Sout -WInnErs’ SEcRETs. 


the soul that power from on high which i is 
the fruit of the Spirit. 
With many regenerated believers who 
enjoy peace and long for power, there is a 
Inner Conscious carnal bondage. They 
Fetters. are fettered by fear of faces or 
consequences. They wish they could speak 
to souls about Christ. They even long for 
freedom to do public work. Where there is 
such lack of liberty the only deliverance 
from the embarrassment is found primarily 
in the Pentecostal baptism with the Holy 
Ghost. The coal of holy fire laid upon the 
lips of the humblest worker, will make a 
revivalist out of every child of God, and will 
constrain him to say with Isaiah, ‘‘ Here am 
I, send me.” Full salvation is the best cure 
for backwardness and slavish timidity. It 
suddenly gives boldness and power, as well 
A Personal 2S readiness of utterance, which 
Pentecost can come only in faint imitation 
Necded. after long years of effort. The 
Holy Ghost alone can give the freedom of 


Tue Sovut-Winner’s Lizerty. 27 


action which results in access to hearts, and 
success in the work. Perfect love casteth 
out fear. This is the mission of the holiness 
meetings of the Salvation Army. It ought 
to be the purpose of all our Conferences, our 
Leagues and consecration services. If they 
fall short of leading believers to their Pente- 
cost, they will fail to graduate revivalists. 
Fear will still haunt the worker, and failure 
follow him. ‘‘ Tarry ye in the city of Jeru- 
salem until ye be endued with power from 
on high.”? This is the Master’s universal 
call to the upper room. To despise it, is to 
court defeat, or work with weights and chains. 
Charles Wesley’s hymn is the preface prayer 
for every ambitious soul-lover. 
Breathe, O breathe, thy loving Spirit, 
Into every troubled breast— 
Let us all in thee inherit, 
Let us find that second rest. 
Take away our bent to sinning, 
Alpha and Omega be— 


End of faith as its beginning, 
Set our hearts at liberty. 


1 Luke xxiv, 49. 


28 Sovu.-Winners’ SECRETs. 


This soul liberty is identical with the 
abundance of life so often admitted as the 
pressing need of believers. It is the prep- 
aration so much in demand for effective 
Christian work, private or public. This qual- 
ification is the Spirit-signed diploma of the 
soul-winner. Alas! it is frequently least 
manifest among the outfit of strong-minded 
and gifted members of the Church. Moses 
protested that he was a man ‘‘ of slow speech 
and of a slow tongue.” He wished the bur- 
den might rest on his more eloquent brother, 
Aaron.! Isaiah shrank from the burden of 
prophecy until his heart was cleansed.? 
Jeremiah cried out, ‘‘ Ah, Lord God! behold 
I can not speak; for I am a child.” Only 
was he without excuse when the Lord put 

Notable forth his hand and touched his 

sti vf lips and said, ‘‘Behold, I have put 
Deliverance. my words in thy mouth.”® Even 
the apostles found themselves fearful and 
incompetent until they were filled with the 

1x. iv, 10-17. 2 Isaiah vi, 5-8. 8 Jer. i, 7-10. 


Tue Sovt-Wriyner’s Liserty. 29 


Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other 
tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

This inner deliverance from excessive 
caution, disastrous propriety and self care, 
leaves the worker restful and confident. He 
sees that sin is cowardly, and that sinners are 
not to be feared. One such worker is a 
majority with God. He is bold without 
bravado, unmoved in the presence of the 
stoniest hearts, and victorious before all 
armies. This is, indeed, the ‘glorious 
liberty of the children of God.” 

Even the blessing of freedom is liberty in 
embryo; it must be exercised. He only who 
walks in the light of opportunity can enjoy 
freedom in dealing with souls. He who fol- 
lows his light shall know the truth, and the 
truth shall make him free.? 


FOR FURTHER INQUIRY. 


Shall fettered and reticent souls be pushed 
forward in revivals? Will the Pentecostal 


1 Acts Ii, 4-6. 2 John vili, 82. 


30 Sout -Winners’ SECRETS. 


grace destroy all timidity? Are all workers 
promised equal freedom in work? How far 
do inherited defects excuse Christians from 
activity? What destroys a Christian’s 
liberty ? 


TV. 
FAITH IN GOD. 


Gop is the Supreme Revivalist. The Holy 
Spirit is the Chief Soul-winner. All seasons 
are his, and he is no respecter of od the 
persons. Weare laborers together Revivallst. 
with God. A genuine revival is a divine 
commotion in human hearts. It may occur 
whenever and wherever needed. Conditions 
vary the results, but there is a supernatural 
factor in every work of grace. God is a 
Wonder-worker, and with God all things are 
possible. To believe is to see great and 
marvelous things which thou knewest not, 
but Christ’s miracles were abridged or 
thwarted by the distrust of his friends. To 
expect nothing, or only average things in 
regular and ordinary ways, is to grieve the 
Spirit and fail. 

31 


32 SouL-WinneErs’ SEORETS. 


Every soul-winner must find the secret of 
faith, nor will he find it as a gift apart from 
Winning ‘faith for his own salvation. While 
Faith. working faith is a divine gift 
granted to some and denied to others, it is a 
special gift to those who enlarge upon their 
grace of faith. To him that hath shall be 
given, and from him that hath not, shall be 
taken away even that which he hath. 
He who would win souls must believe in 
the power of God to save all cases. He must 
Faith in pend with bold confidence upon 
God's the Holy Ghost. Itis God which 
Power. worketh in you both to will and to 
do of his good pleasure.1 When he has 
come to you he will convict the world of sin, 
of righteousness and judgment.? If God be 
our dependence, a revival is possible in any 
soul or any Church. The soul-winner gets 
this abiding conviction, and looks away from 
circumstances and signs to the Omnipotent 
Savior, and believes in the divine Word that 
“Philippians ii, 18. 2John xvi, 8 


Farr 1x Gop. 33 


\ 


is quick and powerful, and will accomplish 
that whereunto it is sent. He believes in 
the value of revivals as a providential net, 
and in personal work as a hook-and-line 
process of fishing for men. He has faith 
that the vilest may be rescued, and probably 
will be. He does not doubt the return of 
any backslider, but has confidence for the 
restoration for even the fickle and feeble- 
minded. He believes that Christians may be 
sanctified wholly, and assumes that some will 
seek the grace of perfect love. He is espe- 
cially confident that children and youth may 
be converted, and at a very early age anchored 
safely in the Church. He rests in these facts 
so strongly, that all objecting voices move 
him only to pity and prayer, but never to 
retreat. 

The good fight of faith is the conquest for 
immediate results. Martha had faith enough 
to say in response to Jesus’ cheer- the Fight 
ing words, ‘‘ Thy brother shall of Falth. 
rise again,” ‘‘I know that he shall rise 

8 


384 SouL-Winners’ SECRETS. 


again in the resurrection at the last day.” 
Last-day and future-day faith abounds 
. everywhere, but the faith that cries, ‘* Now 
is the accepted time; now is the day of sal- 
vation,”—this is the faith that pleases God, 
and hastens the coming of the Son of man. 

Saving faith well exercised in soul-saving 
work will prove worthy of the superadded 

The ait gift of faith. If God can trust 

of Faith. us, he will impart to us the du- 
plicate of the faith of those that ‘‘ obtained 
promises, stopped the mouths of lions, . . . 
out of weakness were made strong, waxed 
valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies 
of the aliens.”! The living mustard-seed of 
faith planted in God’s love and the prom- 
ises soon springs up to shelter and save the 
masses. He who possesses this living faith, 
goes to a soul, a Church, a meeting, not 
wondering whether any sign of much inter- 
est will appear, but expecting tokens for 
good on every hand. Blessed are ye that 
~ Heb. xi, 88-84. 


Farrn ty Gop. , 35 


sow beside all waters, that send forth thither 
the feet of the ox and the ass. There must 
be a chronic and invincible habit of faith in 
God. ‘‘ Your labor is not in vain in the 
Lord; therefore, my beloved brethren, be 
ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding 
in the work of the Lord.” ? 

This soul-winning work is emphatically 
the work of the Lord. All other phases of 
Christian activity are only secondary or 
tributary. He who walks close to his Cap- 
tain henceforth will be known as a soul- 
winner. As when the soul seeks Christ, he 
must first believe and then receive; so in the 
work of revival, we must first expect and 
afterwards rejoice. This lesson of faith is 
the genius of the expert fisherman. He must 
not—he dare not, look at the surroundings. 
He who regardeth the clouds shall not reap. 
Every meeting is a fish pond; every day is an- 
gling day; every soul is an opportunity. The 
world is dying for rescuers. We are called 
“Visalah xxxti, 20. 21 Cor. xv, 58, 


36 SouL-Winners’ SECRETS. 


to believe in the miracle-working and inter- 
ceding Spirit. We must daily lay our hearty 
words at Jesus’s cross for his use by the Holy 
Spirit. Tears first, and thentriumph. ‘‘ He 
shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, 
bringing his sheaves with him.” Happy for 

Victory Us if the Master shall speak at 

Certain. last to us as to the Syrophenician 
woman whose daughter was grievously vexed 
with a devil: ‘‘O woman, great is thy 
faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt; 
and her daughter was made whole from that 
very hour.” 

FURTHER QUESTIONS. 

Is faith a battle? How come to expect 
constant victory in revival efforts? The 
discouragements of faith in apparently fruit- 
less efforts, how counteract? Find Bible 
analogies in battles illustrating faith for 
victory. Why so few leaders of meetings who 
exhibit faith for immediate soul-saving 
results? Is there a fanatical or absurd faith ? 


1 Matthew xv, 28. 


V. 
THE ATMOSPHERE OF PRAYER. 


WHEN Rev. James Caughey, during whose 
seven years’ evangelistic stay in England and 
Treland nearly twenty-two thou- Knee-work 
sand persons professed conver- Wins. 
sion, and nearly ten thousand entered into 
the rest of full salvation, was asked the se- 
cret of his remarkable success, he replied, 
**Knee-work.” He can do all things who 
prays well. All soul-winners have con- 
quered on their knees. Wherever the secret 
of prevailing prayer is found, something su- 
pernatural will come to pass. In the writer’s 
early ministry a devout widow was accus- 
tomed to cheer his heart by the assurance 
beforehand of a coming revival. At first her 
words seemed like presumption. Later 

37 


388 Sou. -Winners’ SECRETS. 


on when we saw the results as proph- 
esied, he learned that she had taken famil- 
iar audience with the King in the secret 
place of the Most High. The secret of the 
Lord was with this God-fearing saint. 

Prayer is the tropical climate of the soul. 
As the climate gives character to vegetable 
life, so the atmosphere of prayer develops 
the fruits of the Spirit. 

Every sensitive and discerning soul can 
readily feel the difference between the at- 
The Prayer Mosphere of prayer and ceremo- 

Climate. nialism. Where the spirit of 
prayer is diffused through the meeting, like 
fragrant perfume, it cheers the leader, it 
mellows the songs, it quickens the hearers, 
it entertains the hardest sinner. The re- 
vival climate must be warm and moist. The 
earnest preacher or humble worker is often 
disappointed even when his personal and 
public efforts to enlist souls are all right. 
He is planting in cold soil, the atmosphere 
is social or selfish, literary or operatic, but 


Tur ArmosPHERS OF PRAYER. »\ 39 


he knows it is not revival weather because 
united prayer is lacking. 

Herein is one of the most vital factors and 
conditions for the salvation of souls. It 
must exist to bring on awaken- yireg 
ings, decisions, and victory. Prayer 
There must be united prayer, not Comauers: 
of all persons, for this ideal condition may 
not often be realized; but two or more shall 
agree as to time, place, persons, purpose. 
** Tf two of you shall agree on earth as touch- 
ing anything that they shall ask, it shall be 
done for them of my Father which is in 
heaven.”! This was one of the open secrets 
of Evangelist Dr. Chas. G. Finney. Henever 
rested until he enlisted one other soul to agon- 
ize for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on his 
meetings. On one occasion, after a partic- 
ularly hard struggle, he was on the floor in 
prayer after midnight. He overheard and 
was startled by the sobs and prayers of a 
godly woman in the same house. She, too, 
~ 1Matt, xviii, 19. 


40 Sou.-WinneErs’ SEORETS. 


was pleading for an awakening in the same 
town. With a happy heart he returned to 
his rest, saying: ‘‘ We have the Scriptural 
number of two; we shall have a victory.” It 
came the next day. 

Special prayer hours are invaluable. They 
concentrate upon the cause in hand. Pri- 
vate prayer, if protracted and persistent, 
will raise the thermometer of faith; but 
united cottage or band prayer hours will 
never fail to hasten victory. They prepare 
the way of the Lord. 

As rain is precipitated from clouds filled 
with vapor, so showers of blessing come 
from the prayer-clouds surcharged with the 
vapor of tears and strong crying. Prayer 
may not be definite as to numbers or per- 
sons, but it must be with one accord. Rain- 
storms are sometimes produced by firing of 
guns, likewise the explosion of truth may 
bring on a crisis—and it can be brought on. 
Prayer-meetings may fail, but prevailing 
prayer,—never. The revival is begun when 


Tur ATmosPHERE oF Prayer. 41 


a few saints have decided victory on their 
knees. Prayer will break the ice of formal- 
ity about any Church in Christendom. When 
hearts weary of asking, or slacken their 
cries, the fruits will ripen slowly. While 
the atmosphere of prayer is maintained at a 
healthy heat the revival will go on. Often 
when a meeting wanes new flames will rise 
higher than ever if the fresh fuel of prayer 
be added thereto. The problem of an all- 
year-round revival in our Leagues and 
Churches is solved only when we have solved 
the problem of keeping the prayer-fires 
burning. 

This state of things, however, can not be 
maintained by anything short of the inspi- 
ration of the Holy Ghost. ‘‘ We Holy Ghost 
know not what we should pray Prayer 
for as we ought: but the Spirit "ffectue’ 
itself maketh intercession for us with groan- 
ings which can not be uttered; and He that 
searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the 
mind of the Spirit, because He maketh in- 


42 Sovu.-Winners’ SECRETS. 


tercession for the saints according to the 
will of God.”! Arbitrary prayer will not 
win. Inspired prayer always does bring the 
answer. Praying in the Spirit we discover 
the mind of God and prove what is his per- 
fect will. The Holy Spirit is the inspirer 
of prayer and should ever be the supreme 
object of our supplication; so it was in the 
Pentecostal room. The effectual fervent 
prayer of a righteous man availeth much, 
says the Apostle James. Elijah prayed 
earnestly that it might not rain, and it 
rained not for three years and six months. 
He prayed again and the heaven gave rain, 
and the earth brought forth her fruit. Then 
James continues, as if to encourage soul- 
winners, and, at the same time, explain the 
secret of their success: ‘‘ Brethren, if any 
of you do err from the truth, and one con- 
vert him, let him know that he which con- 
verteth a sinner from the error of his way 
shall save a soul from death, and shall hide 
1Rom. viii, 26, 27. y 


Tue ATMOSPHERE oF PRAYER. 43 


a multitude of sins.”! This is the only way 
it can be done. 


QUESTION POINTS. 


The cause of unanswered prayer. The 
value of vocal closet-prayer. Reformation, 
restitution, and regeneration as antecedents 
of effectual prayer. Prominent defects of 
the average prayer-meeting. 


1 James vy, 17-20. 


VI. 
LOYALTY TO THE REVIVAL IDEA. 


THERE can be no marked progress in 
soul-saving without deep conviction of the 

Revival advantages of revival methods. 
Enthusiasm. Partiality for particular ways of 
working is not essential, but fidelity to the 
revival idea is a necessity. Especially must 
the leadership of a League or Church be 
controlled by this enthusiasm. Certainly 
among Methodists there should be no falter- 
ing indorsement of the revival principle. 
Even where formality prevails, or spiritual 
life is low, or the customs of other Churches 
dominate, there should be loyalty enough to 
the precedents and providence of our history 
to compel the habitual use of revival efforts. 

44 


Loyatty To THE RevivaLIpra. 45 


He who discounts the revival or reduces 
it to the level of mere naturalism reads his- 
tory to little purpose. All Bible  tistory 
and Church history shows how Means Much. 
Providence has brought to pass certain relig- 
ious awakenings in which soul-winning work 
has been a necessity. The sincere Bible stu- 
dent will find much to prompt his zeal as he 
studies the revival under Moses about 1400 
B. C.;! under Samuel, 1140 B. C.;? in the 
days of Jehoshaphat, 940 B. C.;3 and those 
under Hezekiah and Josiah;* the great re- 
vival in Ezra’s day;° the primitive Christian 
revival of John Baptist ;*® and of Pentecostal 
days.’ Nor can the intelligent reader lose 
sight of the significance of the revival 
epoch of the Lutheran Reformation begin- 
ning 1517; of the Wesleyan revival started 
1739; of the great awakening in America 
under Edwards and others in 1740-1744; the 


1Ex. xxxv, xxxvi. 71 Sam.vii. #2 Chron. xvii, 
42 Chron. xxx-xxxiv. 5Neh. viii. * Matthew iti. 
TActs ii, vill, xvi. 


46 Sout -Winners’ SECRETS, 


great Western revival of 1800-1801; the 
ante-civil-war revival from 1857 to 1858; 
the Holiness revival of 1865; the Moody and 
Sankey revival of later date; and others of 
like import, though of various degrees of 
importance. 

It never promotes prosperity to rule out a 
revival meeting nor to despise the revival 

Makethe SPitit. God has specially com- 
Revivalidea missioned Methodism as a reyi- 
Prominent. val Church. All other Churches 
ought to be in the business. Our young 
people can not perpetuate Church life or win 
success except as revivalists. Our chief busi- 
ness is to save souls; nor isit the business of 
preachers only. Customs of society and 
Church circles may have changed; old 
methods may seem impracticable, other 
Churches may hold to different methods of 
progress or adverse standards of activity; but 
we can not afford to slight our antecedents 
or be ashamed of our calling. Our theology 
and hymnology, our history and our profes- 


Loyatty To THE RevivatIpga. 47 


sion, all constrain us to keep to the front 
the revival idea. By public and personal 
agencies we must maintain the revival spirit. 
We must still get souls saved and educate 
new soul-winners in the school of the re- 
vival. Anything short of this is a death 
knell to all organization and progress. 

The necessity of the hour, the voice of 
Providence, is now as in the past, ‘‘Awake, 
thou that sleepest.” The Twen- ur 
tieth-century call is a call to re- Necessity. 
vivalism. Instead of apologizing for our pe- 
culiarities, explaining our failures, faulting 
our methods, or censuring our workers, let 
us raise the standard of primitive evangelism, 
let us follow this principle with loyalty and 
love so as to get results despite the age we 
live in or the obstacles we meet. Without it 
our rural Churches must rapidly decline and 
our city Churches grow corrupt. We must 
succeed in adding to the Church daily such 
as are being saved, or our candlestick will 
be removed out of its place in history. 


48 Sou.-Winners’ SECRETS. 


FOR ADDITIONAL LIGHT. 


Greatest Bible evangelist. Modern reviv- 
alists and soul-winners. What proportion 
of Methodists have been converted in reviv- 
als? What points in Methodist theology are 
of special encouragement to soul-winners ? 
Revivals as the birthplace of hymns. How 
turn the tide in city and country toward 
evangelism ? 


Vil. 
REVIVAL DISCOURSE. 


In every century it has ‘*‘ pleased God by 
the foolishness of preaching, to save them 
that believe.” It matters not ,,. Staple 
whether the crowd be great, as of Gospel 
in the case of Jonah, John the D!scourse- 
Baptist and Peter; or consist of but one 
hearer, as when Jesus taught the Samar- 
itan woman, when Philip preached to the 
eunuch, or Paul to the jailer at Philippi. 
It is an ordained method of leading souls to 
repentance and faith through proclamation 
of divine truth. Preaching must enter as a 
prime factor into soul-saving. The art of 
preparing and using open discourse so as to 
bring results, is well worth the wisest study. 

4 49 


50 SouL-WInNERS’ SEORETS. 


Of course, only preachers are responsible for 
the character of sermons, but there is much 
discourse outside of the pulpit which enters 
this problem of soul-winning. It behooves 
every leader of public or social meetings 
among the laity to put a just value upon the 
truth in talk and testimony. A few simple 
rules furnish the key to all soul-winning 
messages. The public address, whether in 
pulpit or on platform, in prayer or League 
service, the effective sermon or exhortation 
has for its staple essence: 
First. The Word of God. This is the 
sword of the Spirit. It is the Word quoted or 
Exposition. implied not merely as a text, but 
Is Best. ysed as a message from him. 
Expository Scripture discourse is nearest the 
ideal. It will be less likely to become mo- 
notonous, and will take stronger hold of the 
conscience. Whoever speaks must ‘‘ preach 
the preaching ” that God bids. Great soul- 
saving discourses have usually been born in 
prayer. The preacher speaks the ‘‘ Thus 


Revivat Discourse. ‘51 


saith the Lord.” However well prepared, the 
letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life. If 
the word spoken be sent of God, it will have a 
freshness and power above all natural wisdom ; 
it will not return unto him void, but will 
accomplish that whereto it issent. Accord- 
ing to your faith be it unto you. Preach the 
Word. 

Second. The message must aim to save souls. 
If not aimed at convincing any one of sin, 
it will likely hit nobody and be 4 purpose 
wasted effort. If manifestly de- to Save. 
signed to entertain, it will not reach the 
heart. Ifitshows astrong desire to helpand 
lead some heart to accept Christ, the word will 
have weight. If from the heart, it will 
reach some heart. If the address be more to 
exhibit self than to exalt Jesus, admiration 
may follow, but not salvation. Itshould be 
direct without being personal; pointed with- 
out cant; and plain without being uncouth. 

Third. It should be an adapted message. 
This means that it will be plain and clear: 


52 Sou. -WInNNERS’ SEORETS. 


it will be fitted to the conditions of the meet- 
ing and the average person present. It will 
not be merely an exegesis or a thesis, though 

Suited to these have their place. It will 
the Hearers. he an exposition of the Word 
Divine. It will be simple and well illu- 
mined by fact, simile, incident, or testimony. 
It will not attempt too much at one time. 
It may be well prepared or spontaneous, 
but it will be hearty and sincere. It will 
close before the natural patience of the 
average hearer is overtaxed. It may indoc- 
trinate the mind or storm the will; but 
without being a mere address or a formal 
oration, it will prove to be a tender and 
faithful appeal to yield to God. If the 
Spirit leads to the instruction of believers, 
the meeting should justify the end sought. 
One or two sinners in a crowd may occa- 
sionally call for a discourse to them; but 
adapted address will adjust itself to the 
greatest good of the greatest number. 

If the burden of the leader’s heart require, 


Revivat Discourse. , 53 


or conditions demand it, topics, programs, 
and preparations may well be laid aside or 
cut short, in order that the inspired message 
may have place, and special effort be made 
to lead asoul toChrist. One of Dr. Finney’s 
greatest sermons was given him in his open- 
ing prayer. 

Have faith in the preached Word. Faith 
makes good sermons. The greatness or fame 
of the speaker has no more to do Faith helps 
with the results than the size of Sermons. 
the gun or fishing tackle with the amount 
of game. It is not the ordained preacher, 
but the ordained discourse that helps souls 
heavenward. Davyid’s pebbles and sling are 
sometimes honored above Saul’s armor and 
sword. It is not the rod, but the rod in 
Moses’s hand that divides the sea and brings 
the gushing waters from the rock. Far 
from being a discount of the regular minis- 
try, this is only a hint at how all the Divine 
ministry of the Word may be made fruitful. 

Whatever can be done to secure revival 


54 Sou. -Winners’ SEORETs. 


discourse is the highest wisdom for any 
Church. Discourse which convicts of sin 
Revival 2nd leads to Christ is rarer than 
Sermons. that which merely instructs or 
enlists thought. To secure and encourage 
revival preaching may cost both speaker and 
hearer the sacrifice of well-formed tastes, 
popularity, time, and money; but no expen- 
diture is so fruitful in the end, or insures so 
great reward. He who learns how to handle 
his divine sword so as to wound and make 
alive has learned a rare art. 
‘* Preach the Word, be instant in season, 
out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with 
Revival 11 longsuffering and doctrine, for 
Doctrines. the time will come when they will 
not endure sound doctrine. . . . But watch 
thou in all things, endure affliction, do the 
work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy 
ministry.”! If this was young Timothy’s 
‘path to success, why shall we not walk the 
same road? The late Dr. J. O. Peck gives 


12 Tim. ty, 2-5. 


Revrvat Discourse. , 55 


this counsel on revival preaching: ‘‘ Preach 
the great doctrines of the Bible. Sin, repent- 
ance, faith, pardon, regeneration, adoption, 
the witness of the Spirit, and sanctification 
are the great doctrines in a revival. Preach 
these doctrines in the spirit of love and ten- 
derness. . . . Let the compassion of Christ 
melt every utterance.” History, human na- 
ture and the Divine nature all teach us that 
there can be no awakening of the impenitent 
without alarming visions of the ‘‘ wrath to 
come.” Nor will formal professors reform 
without startling glimpses of the doom that 
impends carelessness, and the disaster which 
follows a corrupt heart. After studying suc- 
cessful speakers, and hearing how it is done, 
it remains of supreme import that the only 
way to learn how to speak, is to practice one’s 
commission. The art is learned by habitual 
exercise. 


56 Sovu.-WInnERs’ SECRETS. 


SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS FOR THOUGHT. 


How may gospel discourse be made more 
helpful? What is the best sermon you ever 
heard ? Did it kindle your thought or touch 
your heart, or both? What proportion of 
public address should be aimed directly at 
soul-saving ? 


VIII. 
THE ALTAR-CALL. 


SIncE the early days of Methodism the 
wise use of the altar, or mourners’-bench, 
has been a marked feature of gos. ana 
public revival work. In some Use of 
Churches its use, for good rea- ‘eAlter — 
son or from prejudice, has been largeiy 
abandoned. Whenever it becomes a fetich, 
or a relic, like the brazen serpent carried 
about by Israel until it became an idol, then 
there may be reason for breaking it to pow- 
der and calling it Nehushtan;} or, if it be 
monotonously held out as an only evidence 
of surrender and path to blessing, it may 
become a preventive of a full acceptance of 
the truth during the delivery of the sermon, 


12 Kings xviii, 4. 
57 


58 Sout-Winners’ SECRETS. - 


or in the silent intervals between altar sery- 
ices. When once guarded against abuse, 
there still remain many good reasons for its 
employment as a help to decision and hu- 
miliation. There is no better draw-net in 
all the fisherman’s historic outfit. So use- 
ful has it been found, and so divinely sealed, 
that it may still be cherished as a providen- 
tial method and discovery. Those who 
object to its use are not from among the 
millions who have had their burdens lifted 
while prostrate before it. Rather is the ob- 
jection on behalf of those who find it, not a 
place of inconvenience to themselves or 
workers, but a place of confession and sac- 
rifice. The ruse of Satan is to prevent con- 
victed persons from public confession and 
separation. The voice of God cries, ‘‘ Come 
out from among them and be ye separate 
and touch not the unclean thing; and I 
will receive you.”! The philosophy of an 
altar-call following public discourse, is 
12 Cor. vi, 17. 


Tue Atvrar-Catu. 59 


this: I believe in the Word of God; that it has 
convinced some; that they ought to confess 
and forsake sin. If they do, they will find 
mercy and rest. If they refuse, they will 
be the worse for hearing the truth. They 
must be constrained to decide in favor of 
God and their souls. To refuse or conceal 
their conviction, is to retreat. To openly ac- 
knowledge themselves seekers or inquirers, 
is the first valuable step towards salvation. 

Besides the advantage to the seeking soul 
in publicly securing the prostration and sep- 
aration of the heart, it is a con- Gaal 
venience to bring the seeker and Confession 
teacher together, face to face, for %** 
prayer, sympathy, and instruction. The 
inquiry-room may serve the same end, but 
the moral advantage upon a gazing world as 
well as upon the seeker himself is much in 
favor of open decision, rather than secret 
surrender. 

In recent years the use of the altar for be- 
lievers has made it not only a place of pen- 


60 Sout - Winners’ SECRETS. 


itence, but one of consecration and prayer. 
To all who find it a trysting-place with the 
Savior, it becomes unspeakably precious. 
The Altar ‘Lo those who have been blessed 
a Blessing. at the altar, and have laid their 
offerings upon it, it glows with a peculiar 
charm. As a convenient place of heart- 
searching and faith, it justifies every call 
made to rally about it. Where the altar in- 
vitation is made definitely for distinct classes 
of persons, there will be no confusion; but 
the art of so inviting seekers as not to 
needlessly embarrass those invited, is one 
of the secrets of method worthy a most care- 
ful study. A few rules may be of practical 
value in promoting successful altar services. 
First. The leader must believe in the altar. 
Hesitation or apology by the leader of the 
meeting, or an assumption of prejudice in 
the congregation, will show itself in defeat. 
Objections or resistance in some minds will 
not weigh much if the minister or leader 
of the service does not advertise it. 


Tue Axrar-Catt. 61 


When should an argument in its favor 
be woven into the appeal ? 

Such arguments, if needed, should come 
earlier aud when not expected. If presented 
in connection with the call, they distract 
attention and divide the motives , 5. outitul 
for acceptance. All young peo- Piece of 
ple of Methodism ought to be Furniture: 
made familiar with the providential and 
manifest advantages of the altar of prayer. 
They should be taught to embrace it and 
honor it, not only for sacramental purposes, 
but for occasions of renewal, repentance, 
and consecration. Consequently, the altar 
service in League and Sunday-school ought 
to be a frequent fact. Of the Methodist 
altar, Dr. J. O. Peck says: ‘* Emphasize the 
use of the altar. It is the most beautiful 
piece of furniture in the Church. Coming 
to it is an open burning of the bridges be- 
hind the sinner. Magnify the altar. It 
means stronger converts.” 

Second. LExhortation should precede invi- 


62 Sout -Winners’ SEORETS. 


tation to the altar. This is sometimes in- 
cluded in the preceding sermon or address. 
hs! The soul must be stirred and the 

will moved. The testimony-meet- 
ing is often the best preface to the altar- 
call. ‘‘ But if all prophesy, and there come 
in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, 
he is convinced of all, he is judged of all; 
and thus are the secrets of his heart made 
manifest; and so falling down on his face 
he will worship God, and report that God is 
in you of a truth.”! 

Third. The appeal for decision must match 
the burden of the meeting. If the drift of 
the meeting is for the backslidden and un- 
converted, the call should be chiefly to such. 
If it be a meeting for believers, a call to 
seek holiness may be the proper course. If 
both classes are sought, a double call is in 
order. If the teaching has been definite the 
call should be correspondingly explicit. If 
general truth has preceded, a more promis- 
11 Cor. xiv, 24, 25. 


Tur Atrar-Oatu. 63 


cuous invitation for renewed loyalty and 
fellowship may not be out of place. The 
leader must discern the spirit of the meet- 
ing, and never go in advance of the prompt- 
ings of the Holy Spirit. 

Fourth. The appeal must be fownded on 
God’s Word, the soul’s need, and the claims 
of conscience. Since the altar-call is designed 
to crystallize good desires into decision, it 
should be brief, sympathetic, and yin. sor 
personal. Nowhere is knowledge the 
of human nature and keen spir- Comsclence- 
itual discernment needed so much as at this 
crisis. As certain souls are slow to action, 
time must be given by patient persistence. 
To know when to modify the call from de- 
cision to prayer, or to prolong the call by 
the use of a hymn, and yet not burden the 
halting will, this is an art worthy a life-time 
study. To crowd the altar-service into a 
few weary minutes, is a farce. To drag it 
along to death and defeat, is an equal blun- 
der. Wait till the fruit is ripe, or ripen it 


64 Sout -Winners’ SECRETS. 


by faith, then shake the tree until the fruit 
falls. 

Fifth. Overcome concealment and con- 
strain confession. This necessity of method 
has its root in the Savior’s condition of sal- 

Huntthe VWation, ‘‘ Whosoever, therefore, 

Soul's shall confess me before men, him 
Hiding-place. +1] I confess also before my 
Father which is in heaven.”? ‘*He that 
covereth his sins shall not prosper: but 
whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall 
have mercy.”? Concealment and postpone- 
ment are Satan’s chief methods for defeat- 
ing souls. Any plan that compromises an 
open confession by the sinner cheapens sal- 
vation. To yield to objections at this point 
is to build with untempered mortar. The 
revivalist will find little objection to con- 
certed or ritualistic confession of sin; but 
the protest against methods comes in when 
any pressure is brought to secure immediate 
and individual decision. Hold to this prin- 
"I Matt. x, 82,98. 2 Proy. xxviti, 18. 


Tur Atrar-Catt. , 65 


ciple, that the individual sinner must make 
a confession equal to the character of his 
sinfulness. Likewise, it is equally fair and 
necessary that the heartsick believer should 
humble himself on the discovery of his heart’s 
need. Neither class has any Divine permis- 
sion to evade the facts. 

Of course, the confession must be a vol- 
untary act. It is more agreeable, and per- 
haps wiser, to secure the decision yo, rests 
without any test that may provoke are 
opposition among the rebellious 2ust"ble- 
or unconvicted persons present. Neverthe- 
less, where conviction prevails, it often helps 
the hesitant and awakens the careless to put 
such tests as compel acknowledgment of the 
facts in the case. ‘‘He who is not for me 
is against me,” may sometimes be enforced 
by compelling a stand for or against the 
truth. In the use of these constraining 
methods, against which there are often just 
objections, there needs be great tenderness, 
faith, and courage. They are fatal if pre- 

5 


66 Sout - Winners’ SECRETS. 


mature, but effective when commended by 
the Spirit’s power. Out of place, they cor- 
rode like the driving of a rusty nail. At 
the crucial moment they are as the surgeon’s 
knife; hence, tests must neither be used in- 
discriminately, nor branded as a foolish tres- 
pass on individual rights. 

Sixth. Secure concession from the largest 
number. Slight yielding is better than rigid 

Partial Yesistance. Initial confession is 

Yielding. often a step towards final sur- 
render. To secure a confession of Church 
membership, of good desires, and hunger 
for a better experience, of interest in the 
revival, of a wish for prayers, of sympathy 
with the truth uttered,—all this may occa- 
sionally lead to more thorough surrender. 
While such expressions encourage the mem- 
ber and raise the temperature of the meeting, 
they are a miserable substitute for penitence 
and saving faith. Thorough consecration 
and full surrender must be made by some 
hearts before the real note of victory is 


Tue Axrrar-Ca.Lu. ‘67 


sounded. Get the people to move forward, 
or respond up to the measure of their convic- 
tion. From among these sift out those who 
are ready to seek the Lord in earnest, hum- 
ble prayer. Rally rather than disintegrate 
the congregation, but never do it at the ex- 
pense of truth as to their spiritual state. 
Seventh. Adopt surprises without sensa- 
tionalism. Masked batteries are the order 
of modern warfare. The enemy , FILE? BP 
is defeated by withholding your of 
designs. Do not advertise what Surprises: 
you intend to do or say. Sinners, easily 
fence against monotonous calls. Satan is 
best overcome by surprises, both as to the 
form and the time of the call to the altar. 
The unexpected move is as important in the 
revival as in war. The Holy Spirit is more 
likely to indorse sensible methods in accord 
with human nature than absurd ones. In 
all this it must be assumed that the general- 
ship of the service is under the special con- 
trol of the Spirit of God. Every tactic 


68 Sout-Winners’ SEORETs. 


must prove disappointing unless it has the 
stamp of inspiration. The prayer telephone 
must be in good working order. 
Eighth. Avoid distraction in the moment 
of decision. Beware of the innocent jani- 
Distractions Or. Hold him still while souls 
ina are in the balance. By previous 
Crisis: yequest, prevent the scattering 
of the congregation at this crisis. Shorten 
the discourse, song, and prayer, but hold 
your crowd until the invitation is fully made. 
Renewed appeals should. be given, but usu- 
ally strange voices appeal to curiosity rather 
than conscience. Beware of marked diver- 
sions, of rhetoric, humor, or even song. 
Hold every exercise, word, and prayer to the 
one line. Concentration means victory, dis- 
traction brings defeat. 


QUESTIONS FOR REFERENCE. 


Why are altar-calls for Church members 
more criticised than those for sinners ? 
What are the merits for the private and 


Tue Attar Catt, _ 1. 69 


public inquiry-room as contrasted with a 
Methodist altar? Whence come most ob- 
jections to methods in revival work? What 
are the relative advantages of the long and 
short altar service? May not the best results 
be often reached during discourse and with- 
out altar-call ? 


TX: 
PERSONAL PERSUASION. 


THE judicious use of public discourse 
must never be undervalued or dispensed 
Superiority With. It is an ordained plan of 
of Personal God for saving men; but since 

Work. few are called to public address, 
and all are called to win souls, the art of 
private persuasion is of much more universal 
and practical importance. We haye never 
known a successful pastor or evangelist who 
did not depend more upon personal work 
than upon public preaching. As the plow 
depends upon the seed drill, so the sermon 
must be followed by personal work. Christ 
set us the example, and was the Prince of 
personal workers. The Samaritan woman. 

70 


Persona PErRsuasIONn. ae 


Mary Magdalene, James, Peter, Andrew, 
Nathanael, Zaccheus, and others, each heard 
his personal call, ‘‘ Follow me.” The fisher- 
man with hook and line is most needed. 
Shaking the tree requires a strong hand, 
but picking the fruit is the choice and tell- 
ing business after all. Dr. Peck, in the 
‘* Revival and the Pastor,” says if he had to 
win a thousand souls in ten years as a con- 
dition of his own salvation, and must choose 
between sermon and personal appeal to win 
the prize, he would take the latter method 
as surest of success. 

It is the principle of personal contact. 
Truth is clinched through the conscience by 
the touch of direct face to face appeal. 
Gehazi laid Elisha’s staff upon the Shunam- 
mite’s child, but he waked not; then the 
prophet shut the door upon them twain and 
prayed unto the Lord, but still the lifeless 
form responded not until he ‘‘ went up and 
lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon 
his mouth; and his eyes upon his eyes; and 


72 Sout-Winners’ SEORETS. 


his hands upon his hands; and he stretched 
himself upon the child; and the flesh of the 
child waxed warm.” This he did again and 
again, and the child opened his eyes.1 Many 
a soul dead in trespasses has opened his eyes, 
not from the touch of any polished staff 
handed down from the pulpit, but by the 
hand to hand, and heart to heart invitation 
of some one sent of God as an angel of res- 
cue. In the great day, the personal and 
private worker will get a large share in the 
commission of rewards usually recorded to 
the credit of the preacher. 

There are two phases of this kind of work, 
that of personal appeal in presence of others, 

Public or #24 private conversation. To the 

Private former, not all are adapted; the 

Appeal. latter is a universal duty open to 
every worker. Both are Scriptural ways of 
winning souls. Perhaps the question method 
here will throw most light into a small 
compass. 

12 Kings iv, 32-86. 


PerrsonaL Persvasion. ,aoum 


How shall I know that I ought to invite 
persons in a public meeting? The occasion, 
the opportunity, the pulpit call, the neces- 
sity of something being done, the tow shalt 1 
scarcity of laborers, the presence Know? 
of conviction in the audience, and you 
knowledge of an interested friend, are all 
evidences of your duty in the case. Any on- 
of the above may be reason enough for you 
to start on the errand of persuading a soul. 

Who should do this public work? Not ev- 
ery one. Those with some heart prepara- 
tion, some fitness of manner,some whols 
freshness of experiencc, some Called? 
spirit of prayer, will succeed best. Forced 
going, either out of scason or under mere 
command from the leader of the meeting, 
will accomplish nothing. Those whose in- 
consistencies are well known, who are not at 
peace with their neighbors, or who love their 
Church more than souls, are candidates for 
private heart searching and prayer. The 
impressions of the Holy Spirit often surprise 


74 Sout-Winners’ SECRETS. 


our ideas of propriety, so that if any one 
feels led to this honor, for there is no greater, 
let him go. Prayer and faith will overrule 
his blunders, and better workers may thereby 
be stimulated to fruit-picking. A warm 
heart, average sense, a living faith, and socia- 
bility are usually sufficient preparation for a 
venture. 

How shall I find the right person in @ 
congregation? Assume and believe that all 
are providentially present. Their presence 
Discovering 12 the meeting is your opportu- 
the Sertous nity. You have providential lib- 

Soul. erties. Whether you are a leader 
or a stranger in the meeting, it is your 
fish-pond. If you are first prayerful and 
sensitive to the Spirit’s voice you will get 
a sensible, though often surprising, sug- 
gestion as to the person. It may be your 
companion, a nearby friend, a neighbor, a 
stranger. A sad eye or a heavy-hearted 
look may settle the question of a start; 
but if in pliable and prayerful mood, you 


PrrsonaL PERSUASION. Vi 


will be well paid if you go forth with little 
or no light but a loving impulse to call 
some soul to Christ. A timid woman ap- 
proached two young men in a revival, only 
to be bluffed, if not insulted, and driven 
back to tears and regrets. That very night 
those two chums were converted in their 
room through words of that saintly woman. 
The reaction of their rudeness, with the 
impression of the Holy Spirit, brought con- 
viction. Study indications. Watch eyes. 
Promiscuous approaches to strangers are not 
generally wise, though people of the same 
sex and age may fitly forego an introduc- 
tion in a social or public meeting where the 
revival atmosphere prevails. Speak in Jesus’s 
name to those you naturally meet, trusting 
the Holy Spirit to second and indorse your 
words. Patient practice will make you a 
discoverer and a winner. 

With what words shail I approach a soul 
for Christ’s sake? In a social way. Find 
common ground. Ask a surface question 


76 SouLt-WInneERs’ SECRETS. 


easily answered. The question of Church 
membership or ordinary greetings may be- 
gin the invitation. Quickly and without 
Methods of ergument begin your heart que- 
Approach. ries: ‘“‘Are you saved?” ‘‘Are 
you converted?” ‘‘Would you like to 
be?” ‘Are you thinking cbout a Chris- 
tian life?” ‘‘Ave you in the light or dark ?” 
‘‘Are you at your best for God?” Take no 
evasion. Change the form of question until 
you secure a confession either of indifference 
or seriousness. If certain of the former, 
pass him quickly, leaving a kind wish or 
word of warning. If the person be serious, 
press the ‘“‘ought;” and invite, then urge, 
warn gently and plainly, using the Word 
of God freely. Be ready with the Scrip- 
tures. Argue little. Express your tender 
wish by look or pressure of the hand, and 
if possible secure some favorable decision 
quickly. Go with the inquirer to the altar, 
or make it easy for him to go. If you 
finally fail, get his promise to pray alone, 


PrrsonaL PERSUASION. 47 


or to confess Christ soon, and prayerfully 
pass on to another. 

How shall I persuade souls to immediate 
decision? By tenderness, directness, and 
courage. Dr. Talmage once said a wise 
word to some theological students: p.,.uading 
‘* Brethren, do not go fishing with to Immediate 
a crawfish for a bait, a log-chain Pcc!sto™ 
for a line, a weaver’s beam for a pole, and 
then scream, ‘Bite, or be lost forever!” 
Keep yourself out of sight, but discover 
the condition in the one you approach. If 
conviction does not prevail, it is not good 
fishing weather. More prayer is needed, and 
more truth; but if the soul is ripening and 
shows serious interest, deal faithfully and 
plainly. Avoid all flattery. Waive opin- 
ions and excuses for the most part for 
protracted interviews. Be bold and pa- 
tient. Do not hurry when the heart door 
yields. Ifthe lip trembles, or the tear starts, 
prayerfully wait. Have inward confidence. 
Bring your own will and faith to bear upon 


78 Soun-Wrnners’ SECRETS. 


your friend. This is a divine lever at your 
command. When Jesus saw the faith of them 
that brought him, he said to the sick of the 
palsy, ‘‘Arise, take up thy bed and walk.” 
We must help souls to decide by our faith. 
A patient worker will be a rapid learner. 
Go to the Spirit’s training-school; you will 
learn more in three hours’ practice and 
prayer than in three days’ study of theories 
and methods. 

How shail Ideal with a serious soul in case of 
no available public opportunity for confession ? 
The service} may be dismissed, the altar-work 
ended, or no meeting at hand. The best time 
for personal work is when the restraint of crit- 

APrivate icism and consequent resistance 
Slese. is passed. Whether in Church 

or home, in the shop or store, in field or 
highway, study first to produce conviction; 
second, to secure decision. Avert fault- 
finding. It counteracts the sting of the 
truth. Kindly compel admission of sinful. 
ness and the need of Christ. If you dis- 


PrrsonaL PEersvasion. G9 


cover a new and divine desire, secure the 
person’s consent to take the first step to- 
wards the light. Hold him to the issue of 
serving Christ or Satan now; of being a rebel 
or a friend; of obeying God or sin. Scores 
of devices and words will come to him who 
studies souls at this crisis. Get your friend 
to talk. Ask him questions, or tell him in 
a word how you were sayed. One of the 
important steps to decision is immediate 
prayer. The more unexpected, the more 
effective if consent is given. Make an altar 
kneeling or standing; but pray. Urge sur- 
render; do it with God’s words and in your 
own language. If you see a sign of peni- 
tence, press your suit. A soul is almost 
persuaded. Forget the clock and all else 
if thereby you can get your friend more 
heart-sick and hungry. Do this sometimes 
by calling one or more Christians to your 
side. Possibly a song or silent prayer may 
increase the burden, and leave a genuine 
seeking penitent on your hands. Avoid 


80 Sovut-Winners’ SEORETs. 


futures; now is God’s word, now is his time. 
Press immediate decision, and rest the case, 
if need be, with a solemn promise to seek 
- Christ until peace is found. 

Name other ways of private persuasion. 
Out of a full and thoughtful heart, speak 
often in private conversation of religious 

Secret life. Ask questions about your 

Methods friend’s spiritual enjoyment. A 
with Souls: jook, a passing hint of former 
days will often trouble a backslider. Write 
your friend a letter. Send it by mail, or 
give in person a book or tract. In unlooked 
for moments refer to the good news of 
revivals. Tell of some other soul’s conyer- 
sion as opportunity affords. Relate an inci- 
dent, sing a song, offer a prayer. Live in 
the prayerful desire for the salvation of souls. 
He that abideth in Him, the same bringeth 
forth much fruit. One of the most fruitful 
evangelists we ever knew began her work and 
became famous as an invalid. ‘‘He that 
soweth in tears shall reap in joy.” 


PrrsonaL PErsvasion. 81 


What of the prolonged neglect of personal 
soul-saving effort? Certain decline of love 
and spiritual power. Faith and works must 
live together. No convert can keep up 
his primitive joy unless he labors to get 
others into like grace. He who enjoys 
perfeot love should patiently seek pou, o¢ ° 
to bring souls into the same lib- Prolonged 
erty. We keep the light only by Nesleet- 
walking in it ourselves, and by helping others 
into a like experience. Many a League or 
Church has degenerated from testimony into 
cold talk, from fervor into frost, because they 
took a vacation from the soul-winning busi- 
ness. He who abandons the soul-saving 
habit will certainly backslide in heart. He 
will soon become infected with fault-finding, 
with excuses, and finally with unbelief and 
spiritual death. It must not be a winter 
campaign or a three-years’ siege, but a life 
long and growing habit. This will make us 
fruitful in old age, and cause our path to 
shine more and more to the perfect day. It 

6 


82 Sovut-Winners’ SECRETS. 


is not only a question of how we shall save 
ourselves, but how shall we ourselves escape 
if we neglect the salvation of others. 
‘‘Help me to watch and pray, 
And on thyself rely; 


Assured if I my trust betray, 
I shall forever die.” 


THEMES FOR THOUGHT. 


The need of revival training lessons. 
College classes for Christian evangelism. 
Symptoms of awakening. Memorize Bible 
replies for every excuse of sinner or form- 
alist. Is it as important to get a believer 
sanctified wholly as to secure the conversion 
of asinner? What difference in methods of 
persuasion, if any, is needful in presenting 
the claims of holiness upon professing Chris- 
tians? Shall we hold out instantaneous de- 
liverance as the only type of experience for 
convicted seekers of pardon and purity? 


X. 
ALTAR WORK. 


Tuis phrase, so familiar to Methodists, 
implies, first, an altar; second, seekers; 
third, instructors; fourth, the help and 
instruction given, together with the accom- 
panying exercises. 

The altar may be a rude bench, a chair, or 
a finished chancel; it ought to be a comfort- 
able kneeling place. Discomfort 
of body may be a snare of Satan ‘deeae 
to distract the mind from spirit- Reach 
ual things. Ventilation should be ; 
kept good. Bad air or excessive heat will 
counteract both faith and prayer. The leader 
of the meeting being largely responsible for 

83 


84 Sou, -WInnErs’ SECRETS. 


favorable circumstances should guard against 
conditions of disaster. The preliminary work 
having been done, the call made and the way 
open, those who respond should be sacredly 
dealt with. The kneeling posture is best, 
because in keeping with a penitent and 
humble spirit in the inquirer. Having come 
alone, or with others, the seeker should be 
directed by the leader or assistants, and 
carefully guarded from unwise attentions. 
Only the best available helpers should be 
invited to instruct. Objectionable persons 
and incompetents should be kindly kept a 
few paces to the rear; but for immediate 
effect upon the penitent, a preliminary word 
or touch of sympathy and welcome from a 
near friend or new convert, will prove very 
helpful. It cheers and often melts the 
inquirer to penitence and prayer. Such 
general instruction to both seekers and 
workers should be given in advance as will 
relieve all embarrassments. During this 
service, others should be frequently urged to 


Arar Work. *. 85 


come forward, while those who bow should 
be pressed speedily into the kingdom. 

Different Methodist communities have 
produced different types of seekers, as well 
as various classes. They must be treated 
according to their specific needs. 

First, there is the emotional seeker. He 
comes sincerely, but under impulse. He 
may be under the dominion of Types of 
the customs of the locality, and Seekers. 
may not expect immediate blessing. He may 
further expect considerable noise and sing- 
ing. Another is the intellectual inquirer, 
whose head is foremost, who prefers quiet, 
but whose mind is open to receive instruc- 
tion and the promises of the Word. Then 
there is the slow and uncommunicative 
imquirer or doubter, who wants forms of evi- 
dence he will never receive. These cases 
require special and peculiar attention; some 
of them may even bafile all skill. ~ 

If the trend of the meeting encourages 
different classes of seekers, sume will come 


86 SouL -WINNERS’ SECRETS. 


for pardon, some to be reclaimed, some for 
restoration of joy, some for heart purity, 
and some for general blessings. Both the 

Definite type and class of inquirer must 

Seeking. be discerned and prescribed for 
faithfully and with discretion. As a rule, 
the more definite and simple the invitation, 
the more intense the effort of the seeker, 
and the simpler the instruction given. 

The conduct of a public altar service 
demands great wisdom and flexibility. Faith 
The Progress #24 attention must be kept up, 

of the for if these fail, the atmosphere 

Meeting. —_ of unbelief soon depresses the 
inquirer and prevents progress. The meet- 
ing must be kept moving. Song, prayer, 
counsel and periods of holy silence should 
fill the passing hour in helpful order. One, 
or at most two leaders should keep every 
condition before the eye, and follow the 
mind of the Spirit. All other workers must 
fall in line with directions given. This will 
avoid confusion and secure harmony. 


Arar Work. 87 


The chief end of a public altar service, 
where souls are seeking salvation, is to help 
them into the light as quickly and as thor- 
oughly as possible. This aim must be 
wrought, first, by deepening conviction; sec- 
ond, by perfecting surrender or consecration ; 
and third, by lifting the eyes to Christ. 

The preface step, therefore, in instruction 
is to understand the type and class of seeker 
you approach. First, obtain the 9. stoning 
confidence of the inquirer and the 
make him your friend. Find out S¢e**® 
his mental condition, and what is the burden 
of his heart. To deepen convictionand lead 
upon faith ground, nothing succeeds like 
open confession and audible prayer. By 
direct questions induce brief acknowledg- 
ments of sinfulness and need. Begin with 
plain questions, answerable by yes or no. 
Then constrain to vocal prayer. Put words 
in his mouth, if need be, and insist upon 
prayer. You have nota ripe candidate for 
blessing until this point is gained. For a 


88 Sout -WINNERS’ SECRETS. 


penitent, ‘‘ God be merciful tome a sinner,” 
is always in order. ‘‘ He is nigh unto all 
that call upon him,” must be impressed upon 
his mind. ‘‘ Whosoever shall call upon the 
name of the Lord shall be saved,” is another 
useful word of counsel. ‘‘ Him that cometh 
unto me [ will in no wise cast out,” seldom 
fails to help. Itis a valuable rule to urge 
serious souls to pray aloud in their room as 
well as at the altar. Thorough and deep 
consciousness of sin is thereby secured as a 
speedy approach to full surrender and faith. 
The fifty-first Psalm, read in prayer at home, 
after promise to do so, has often led a soul 
to light. 

By persistent and kindly boldness you must 
break the spell of silence. Compel him to 

Audibie face his own hard struggles, but 

Prayer. open the mouth of the seeker you 
would help. It must be done. Urge it upon 
all workers as a necessity and a sure prepar- 
ation for victory. 

But even this end may be gained. and the 


Artar Work. . 89 


soul remain insubordinate, self-willed, and, 
consequently, burdened. Next find if there 
is any conflict or unsettled trouble in the 
heart. Take the eye off supposed conse- 
quences and urge complete sub- 7). process 
mission to God. Rebellion may of 
consist in not fully forsaking cer- Surrender: 
tain sinful habits or pleasures. It may appear 
in some form of conceit, some prejudice, some 
old grudge, some unsettled obligation, or in 
some cherished plan for the future. Make it 
plain that the soul seeking Christ, must at 
every point and to every test, say amen to 
God’s demands. He is a rebel until he fully 
yields all. The wrath of God is on him until 
he surrenders every weapon. ‘‘ He that is 
not for me is against me.” Hold these truths 
before him without compromise. Seek for 
Scripture verses, analogies, and illustrations 
further to impress the truth. Happy if he 
accepts while you proceed; if not, leave him 
to fight it out. 

The seeker must abandon sin, self, and 


90 Sout -Winners’ SEoRETs. 


finally he must give up his dowbts. Unbe- 
lief is often a settled form of looking within 
instead of at Christ. The soul must turn 

Thingsto 2way from his own feelings, as 
be Ylelded. well as from his sins. He must 
act his faith and trample his fears under foot. 
If this be not done, darkness will grow more 
dense. Doubts will condemn the heart as 
surely as vice. It is a simple path, though 
often hard to find. ‘‘ Give up and look up;” 
nothing short of this will bring peace. Be 
patient, thou angel of rescue, thou guide of 
souls. God and our friends had to bear 
long with us, let us bear with others. But 
do not let them shelter ina false or human 
hope. Never, on your own account, tell 
them it is all right, and that they are saved. 
Nevertheless, they must be pressed to 
accept and confess God’s Word as true. 
Never flatter a penitent nor compliment a 
cony-cted believer. Do not disregard the 
dignity of age, usefulness, Church member- 
ship, or scholarship in a seeker. Although 


Arar Work. ‘91 


one of his own class, or some one naturally 
agreeable, if competent, may prove his best 
instructor. The penitent must be saved, if 
at all, as a humble, little child. He must find 
out at last that neither his record nor acquire- 
ments will commend him to Christ. Before 
he can find rest, he will needs abandon all, 
yield all, look to Jesus, and welcome advice 
from very humble sources. 

Never be afraid to approach even your 
superior. You only need to know, like a 
messenger boy, that you are sent, approaching 
and that you have a message to Superiors. 
deliver. You need only trust God to use you 
and make you a blessing. He loves to over- 
rule the blunders of the brave and willing 
worker. It may be difficult, sometimes disas- 
trous, to follow any specific routine in leading 
souls to Christ. Faith, not formula, saves, 
but help at the crucial point of his threshold 
entrance into the kingdom is so needful 
that we venture another word of counsel. 

The general instruction to be given all 


92 Sout -Winners’ SECRETS. 


persons before and during the inquiry pe 
riod is, that they may find Christ who seek 
Seeking Him with all the heart. Hach 
with all soul can fix the date of his own 
the Heart. deliverance. ‘In the day that 
thou seekest me with all thy heart, I will be 
found of thee.” That such seeking brings 
the witness, or assurance of the Spirit 
with all fruit thereof, should be always 
and clearly taught. The seeker should be 
urged to seek until he finds rest, and is fully 
satisfied. Without turning his eyes inward, 
let him confidently expect God’s certificate 
to his adoption. If darkness lingers, it is 
often well to commit the inquirer to pray 
through to the light. It is always ahead, 
never behind him. 
If sin be forsaken, and penitence shown; 
if self be surrendered, including talents, will, 
Getting Voice, the soul is very near to 
Ridof God. The last ditch is that of 
Doubts. doubt. It must be crossed. But 
doubt is only a vestige of the self or sin life. 


AxtTAR Work. . 93 


When all is given up, faith springs up and 
Christ comes in. Desperate helplessness is 
the point of progress where faith becomes 
easy. To get this result, it will be use- 
ful to show Christ’s ability, his willingness, 
his nearness. Every fact and promise may 
be used that will turn the thought away 
from self to Jesus. ‘‘Is Christ your friend ?” 
** Are you his friend?” ‘‘Is he nigh you?” 
‘« Are there not two friends together now ?” 
‘© Will you not call him yours?” ‘‘If he 
welcomes you, will you not trust him to 
pardon or cleanse his own?” ‘* Have you 
laid your sins on Jesus?’ ‘* Will he lay 
them back on your shoulders?” ‘‘ Will you 
dare say he rejects you?” ‘* Are you glad 
of his promise?” ‘*‘ Are you glad you have 
come to him?” ‘Does he reject you, or 
receive you?” ‘Will you trust Christ to save 
you now ?” 

These, with similar lines of thought, will 
lead a soul to the facts rather than to his feel- 
ings; from himself by saving trust to the real 


94 Sout -Winners’ SEoreETs. 


and present Savior. With the Spirit’s help he 
may thus fix his eyes on Christ, and find his 

Facts not soul full of rest and sunshine. If 

ans , one illustration fails, try another, 

of Joy. until he sees the sinfulness of 
doubt and steps across the line. Keep 
urging him to give up and look up until 
by sudden or gradual acceptance of the 
promises his darkness is past, and the true 
light shineth. Do all this quickly if possible, 
but do it thoroughly. In every case, the 
use of the Word of God and a few simple 
promises or incidents will be best honored of 
the Spirit. 

The principle that surprises are often the 
best line of approach must not be over- 
looked. Home facts familiar to the person 
in his employment are the most impressive. 
The parables of Jesus, and incidents of home 
life, never fail to do good if narrated in 
faith and prayer. The prodigal son’s return 
to his father’s house has speedily brought 
many a backslider into the banquet hall of 


Arar Work. ‘95 


peace; while the story of Israel’s crossing 
Jordan has helped many a wilderness Chris- 
tian into his Canaan of rest. 

Finally, all human help may seem to fail. 
The Holy Spirit must finish his own work 
begun in conviction, and carried ,. 
forward in penitence and prayer. Spirit's 
The inquirer must be left with Fa! Mel 
God. Urge him to pray through to victory. 
Our words and works can only be effective 
when the Spirit applies them. He may get 
along without human agencies, though God 
usually employs a soul to save a soul. 
Listen to Heaven’s voice, be prayerful and 
persistent, but ever ready, also, to take the 
hint of ‘‘hands off.” ‘‘ He that hath begun 
a good work in you will finish it.” ‘‘The 
meek will he guide in judgment.” 


FURTHER SUGGESTIONS. 


What difference, if any, in the instruction 
of a backslider and a new penitent? Under 
what conditions, if any, may a soul be coun- 


96» Sovr-Wryners’ SECRETS. 


seled to decline a public confession? What 
reading should find place during a seeker’s 
progress? Why do certain workers get 
inquirers through sooner than others? Do 
backsliders ever come into new light with 
exactly the same phase of experience as 
before? Contrast the step of progress in 
seeking justification, reclamation, and entire 
sanctification. 


XI. 
REVIVAL SINGING. 


THE power of sacred song is admitted by 
all. Its influence over the heart and will 
are beyond all question. It has The Source 
always had a prominent part in ees an 
revival work. Especially have Song. 
Methodists, since the days of the Wesleys, 
been noted for hearty singing. Tunes, and 
hymns, and instruments are of little value 
when considered apart from the worth which 
the human heart infuses into them. ‘Be 
filled with the Spirit;” . . . ‘*Speaking one 
to another in psalms, and hymns, and spir- 
itual songs, singing and making melody 
with your heart unto the Lord.”! The Re- 


1 Eph. v, 18, 19. 
vf 97 


98 SouL-WINNERsS’ SEORETS. 


vised Version here makes the heart the in- 
strument of acceptable singing. Dr. Daniel 
Steele says that ‘‘the only singing that 
pleases God and melts and moves men is in- 
spired by the Holy Spirit.” Dr. A. J. Gor- 
don used to say that it was a case of simony 
to attempt to buy inspired song. It is the 
gift of the Holy Ghost. When Jehoshaphat 
would defeat the Ammonites he consulted 
and appointed singers unto the Lord, that 
should praise the beauty of holiness as they 
went out before the army, and say ‘‘ Praise 
the Lord;” and when they began to sing and 
to praise, the Lord set ambushments against 
the children of Ammon, which were come 
against Judah; and they were defeated.” 
Paul and Silas sang, as well as prayed, in 
starting their midnight prison revival. 

The leadership of singing is second only 
to that of the meeting itself. Indeed, it is 
a happy providence that the most successful 
soul-winners are good singers. There are 
"12 Chron. xX, 21, 22. 


Revivat Srineina. 99 


sufficient exceptions to prevent the idolatry 
of song. If the leader of a meeting can not 
carry tunes himself, he should al- Qualities 
ways have at hand some one in tot 
close confidence who can do his _ Singer. 
bidding and co-operate well in every phase 
of the work. A good leader of singing 
is almost a necessity in every service. But 
unless the singing is to prove an offense and 
hindrance, the leader of hymns should be 
spiritually-minded and of good judgment. 
To be a real help he must himself love 
soul-winning work, and in some measure be a 
soul-winner. 

Several things are of first importance as 
to revival singing. Preparatory songs should 
be selected so as not simply to Selection, 
put in time set apart for a praise-meeting. 
Hymns should have an aim, serve a purpose, 
and lift the devotion of the congregation to- 
wards the victory level. Revival music 
should be heart-music in contrast with #s- 
thetic singing. The words and melodies 


100 SouL-Wriyners’ SEcRETS. 


should lead the largest possible number of 
voices. Instruments may profitably be used 
if controlled by devout persons, so as to sus- 
tain the voices and complete harmony. 
There has been much narrow thinking 
and writing about the relative value of old 
Old or New 220 well-tried hymns. Hymnol- 
Hymns. ogy is a progressive inspiration. 
The new is as likely to become a blessing as 
the old. Of course there is much inspira- 
tion and advantage in all the people singing, 
but a hymn sung by one or two voices may 
have all the merit of a sermon. A wise 
leader of singing will so combine the new 
and old, the voices of soloists and congrega- 
tion, that the highest effect will be reached 
and deepest impression wrought. 
The same may be said of choruses. It is 
almost universally true that choruses joined 
Chorus +o hymns are more effective in re- 
Singing, vival service than hymns without 
them. Wide observation on this point is 
worth more than theory. This is true partly 


Revivat Srnera. 101 


because the people quickly learn the choruses, 
and can sing from memory, which is always 
the most effective and inspiring. A uniform 
line of revival hymns and choruses should be 
taught our youth in all Leagues and Sunday- 
schools. The public congregation should 
jearn them also as a preparation for general 
reyival. Training the people to memorize 
hymns and to distinguish tunes is an impor- 
tant part of the schooling of every Church. 
There are hymns of worship, of doctrine, of 
exhortation, of inspiration, and of comfort. 
All kinds, with melodies to match, should be 
drilled into our people, young and old. 

As Scripture must be at command by the 
worker for specific use, so leaders of song 
should be trained to recall verse 5000 ana 
and tunes from memory for every Tunes 
stage of the meeting. There is a *?Propriate- 
place for the revival singing-school. In its 
absence every wise revival leader will in- 
struct by example as to the appropriateness 
‘of hymns and tunes. In this he will be first 


102 Soun-Winners’ SECRETS. 


full of words and tunes, with grace to select 
and apply them. It is not wise to refer too 
much to promiscuous selection by the audi- 
ence. The pastor or leader knows best 
what to sing next. When an altar-call is 
being made, special invitation hymns should 
be selected. A choir isa help only when 
harmonious and in prayerful sympathy with 
the particular service where used. Other- 
wise, dispense with it and have one person 
with a well-saved organist lead the singing. 
No greater wisdom is needed than to direct 
the hymns during an altar-service. It is 
better if the leader, or one in closest sympa- 
thy, can conduct this part of the service. 

Sina The pulse of the meeting, the 
Generalship.! condition of the seekers, the 
thought and faith of the people, must all be 
in line. This is a great test of generalship, 
and an extraordinary tax upon the strength 
of the worker. If the interest of the exer- 
cises centers about one or two seekers, their 
condition of faith and progress must dictate 


Revivau Sryere. 103 


the selection of hymns. These selections 
should be made from memory, and used 
without break or hesitation. It would re- 
quire a volume fully to illustrate the blun- 
ders and beauties of altar-singing. To lead 
seekers out into the light and gladness, and 
crown their faith with proper doxologies of 
victory and praise, requires a full memory, 
a sensitive heart, and quick discernment. 
The grace of ‘‘what to do next” is one of 
the much-needed and rarest gifts of the 
Holy Spirit. 

Singing is to be the bridesmaid of sermon, 
exhortation, and prayer. It may adorn and 
attend them all, making them all 5... yee of 
fragrant, effective, and beautiful. Good 
He who sings well should know S!nslna. 
how to pray well. Good and wise singing 
will sweep souls into the embrace of truth, 
and up to God. Poor, formal, inappropri- 
ate songs will drag sermon, prayer, and 
souls down to death. Better none than the 
poorest. Operatic singing, or singing with- 


104 Sout -WInnErs’ SECRETS. 


out the heart-quality and divine inspiration 
in a revival is as much out of place as a 
dirge at a banquet, or a waltz at a funeral. 
Two ‘Two faults degrade spiritual sing- 
Faults. ing and make it a weight instead 
of a wing. The first is an inappropriate 
tune. It may be a triflmg melody extracted 
from worldly, unhallowed associations. It 
may be too majestic, or slow, for the people 
or occasion. Familiarity with a tune, or 
poor leadership, may draw a hymn to the 
dust, when, like a kite, it is made to fly as 
a thing of beauty. Another widespread 
blunder is to sing, or permit others to sing, 
without thought. ‘‘I will sing,” said Paul, 
“with the Spirit and with understanding, 
also.” In helping souls, thoughtful singing 
is God’s plan of power. Sing so that both 
words and expression will compel thought; 
then will singing touch hearts, and not 
merely tickle the ear. 
In a praise and social service, where 
prayer and testimony are interspersed by 


ReEvIVAL SINGING. 105 


verses of sacred song, the skill of the chor- 
ister is most manifest. To choose an appro- 
priate song or verse like a piece of mosaic, 
and work it into the service so as to enhance 
the value of every other word, and lead to a 
higher level and climax of interest, is a task 
an angel might covet. Gifted singers will 
find in revival and religious leadership a 
rare field for both fame and usefulness. 
Above all, the singing must be ‘‘ unto the 
Lord.” He is a singer. The gift of song 
should be placed at his disposal. sing Unto 
Satan has his singers who sing the Lord. 
only to please him. The Lord plants a new 
song in the believer’s mouth, that it may 
come forth in praise like the flower exhales 
its fragrance. When our Leagues come to 
study and apply these principles of music, 
capturing hearts by this lasso, a new revival 
era will have dawned on us. The Holy 
Spirit has been doing his part in giving 
birth to much recent heart-melody and gos- 
pel hymnology. To use and apply it will be 


106 Sout -Winners’ SECRET. 


a triumph of the coming generation of soul- 
winners. 
PRACTICAL HINTS. 


Find a dozen striking Bible references to 
song. Name tunes and hymns to correspond 
with the following phases of experience— 
carelessness, procrastination, penitence, de- 
cision, sorrow, surrender, faith, peace, justi- 
fication, adoption, joyfulness, perfect love, 
rest, hope. How may our people be taught 
to memorize hymns? The study of the birth 
of hymns and their use,—how promoted 
among singers ? 


XII. 
THE USES OF PRAYER. 


In a previous chapter we considered prayer 
as a preparation for soul-winning work, and 
the necessity of an atmosphere of prayer. 
There are specific uses of prayer vitally im- 
portant to every worker. 

Will God hear sinners pray? The plow- 
ing of the wicked is sin, and his sacrifice is 
an abomination to the Lord. But For 
if he repents and gives up hig Slnners. 
sin he is no longer a rebel. He is then on 
grounds of mercy. Let him add earnestness 
to penitence, and there is hope for the peni- 
tent however wicked he has been. ‘‘ This 
poor man cried, and the Lord heard him 
and saved him out of all his troubles.” 
~TPsalm xxxiv, 6. 


107 


108 SouL-Winners’ SEoRETs. 


Believers must be taught the antecedents 
of effectual prayer before they will be much 
For helped in pushing forward the 
Believers. Tjord’s chariot. Verbal, extem- 
poraneous prayer, inspired and taught of the 
Holy Spirit, will be found most useful. Add 
to this, restitution. No Christian can pray 
successfully who brings his gift without first 
being reconciled to his neighbor; neither 
can he be bold in prayer who has not a clear 
consciousness of sonship, or if he regard 
iniquity in his heart the Lord will not hear 
him. 
Workers should understand the necessity 
of certain essentials of helpful prayer. It 
The Work. Must be definite. Ask for bread, 
er’s Public a fish, an egg, what things so- 
Prayer. ever ye desire. The Father hon- 
ors definite praying. Prayer must be di- 
rected into detailed wants. Only thus can 
it be suitable and powerful. Importunity 
is as essential as definiteness. Not pro- 
longed public prayer, but prolonged private 


Tur Uses oF PRAYER. 109 


prayer counts most. However, a revival can 
stand a long, heartfelt public prayer better 
than so many little word prayers. We are 
in peril of destroying the old-time gift of 
supplication by urging everybody to ‘‘ pray 
just a word.” Of course, thanksgiving and 
faith must be included as essentials of good 
and effectual prayer. Whoever prays as a 
leader of prayer should remember that his 
prayer imparts a like spirit to others. If he 
fails to prevail, the meeting weakens. It is 
better to call upon those who are recognized 
prayer leaders than to leave this important 
adjunct of revival-work to the impulse of 
volunteers. Voluntary prayer has its place. 
Those who are rusty, formal, cold, and out 
of practice, may be restored by urging short 
voluntary prayers. For this exercise appro- 
priate seasons should be chosen. Public and 
vocal prayer is usually the echo of private 
or family prayer. Where secret and home 
prayer is maintained, public vrayer is not 
a great cross. 


110 SouL-WInnERs’ SEORETs. 


Requests for prayer are important features 
of a meeting for soul-winning. These open 
Special OF written requests awaken inter- 
Requests. est, deepen the desire of those 
making them, and concentrate the faith of the 
people. Such requests should be verbal or 
written, and should have immediate attention 
in the meeting. Reports of answers should 
be invited from those who know the facts. 
Prayer lists should be made and urged 
upon all Christians. The confession of such 
prepared lists, is an inspiration to general 
revival-work and faith for results. The late 
George Miller, of England, prayed for two 
friends for sixty years, one of whom was 
saved after Mr. Miiller’s decease. 
Days of prayer, accompanied by fasting, 
have always been a mark of determined effort 
Daysof 10 Win souls. If a few will agree 
ys Oo 
Fasting and to such special prayer and self- 
Prayer. denial, it always brings an increase 
of zeal, and often a prophecy and victory 
of faith which sweeps many souls into the 


a 


Tue Uses or PRAYER. 1t1 


kingdom. There are too few prayer hours, 
and still fewer nights of prayer. Jacob was 
himself blessed after his all-night wrestling, 
and Esa \’s heart melted into love. 

It is a practical question as to how long a 
congregation should be detained to pray with 
seekers. The formal dismissal | oo oth of 
should not be postponed beyond Prayer 
the average endurance and con- S¢e™ce- 
venience of the people. Often, when the 
interest is great, no formal adjournment is 
made at all, though people are privileged to 
retire at pleasure. We are persuaded that 
most services are dismissed too early, and 
workers leave seekers too soon. Protracted 
prayer-mecetings are the legitimate fruit of 
a high tide of revival. The evidence is, that 
more of the same spirit would bring convic- 
tion and produce fruit if adopted as a means 
to an end, rather than accepted as the end 
of means. A general note of victory, let it 
come soon or late, is usually a signal for a 
formal or informal dismissal. 


112 Sout-Winners’ SEORETs. 


The use of audible prayer among young 
converts is as necessary to keep them strong 

Audible 2S to secure their conversion. 

Prayer. Prayer-meetings, if properly em- 
ployed, are a breakwater against spiritual 
decline. Systematic training of new con- 
verts in the exercise of extemporaneous pray- 
ing is good for them, and a tonic to older 
Christians. 

A surprise prayer-visit is another method 
of reaching a serious soul and of building 
Surprise and UP youthful believers. They must 
Persistency. live a life of prayer. They are 
never fully abandoned to God until the voice 
is given over to the Spirit to be filled with 
both prayer and praise. Prayer is the secret 
of steady progress in every siege of soul- 
winning work. Whether the effort is for the 
salvation of a specific soul, or for a revival 
in a certain Church, prayer will protract the 
meeting with profit when all other agencies 
fail. Persistency is a duty. Prayer holds 
the forces together and prevents retreat. It 


Tue Uses or PRAYER. 113 


bridges over bad nights, discouraging cir- 
cumstances, dry meetings, and wakens the 
bleached and sleeping bones of a — The 
dead Church. The prayer gift Prayer Gift. 
should be developed in all young people. 
The smaller cottage or private prayer service 
is better than the public congregation; but 
a warm altar service is the best school for 
the training of this gift. 

Finally, all prayer, even ritualistic or 
memory prayers, must be in the Holy Ghost. 
No form or lack of form will gituatstic 
strengthen the soul or reach other Prayer. 
souls unless the Spirit of God help our 
infirmities and impart life and energy to our 
supplications. ‘‘In nothing be anxious; but 
in everything, by prayer and supplication 
with thanksgiving, let your requests be made 
known unto God. And the peace of God, 
which passeth all understanding, shall guard 
your hearts and your thoughts in Christ 
Jesus.”? 


1 Philippians tv, 6, 7. 
8 


114 Sovut-Winners’ SECRETS. 


FOR LEISURE STUDY. 


The great prayers of the Bible. How 
to break up inappropriate prayers in a 
prayer-meeting. How to check impulsive 
and forward persons, and draw out the timid 
in voluntary prayer. How far adherence to 
ritualism or preparation in prayer may grieve 
the Spirit. Does the Holy Spirit ever forbid 
us praying for certain persons or objects ? 


XIII. 
TESTIMONY AND PRAISE. 


‘*He hath put a new song in my mouth, 
even praise unto our God; many shall see it 
and fear, and shall trust in the Grace opens 
Lord.”! This is the common _ the Lips. 
experience of the genuine new convert. A 
little later the same inspired psalmist cries 
out, ‘*I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, 
thou knowest; I have not hid thy righteous- 
ness within my heart; I have declared thy 
faithfulness and thy salvation; I have not 
concealed thy loving kindness and thy truth 
from the great congregation.”? Some few 
children seem to be born into the kingdom 
of grace dumb, but they are the exceptions. 

1 Psalm xl, 3. 3 Psalm xl, 9, 10. 


116 


116 SovuL-WInnERS’ SEORETS. 


The first evidence of life is the utterance of 
the lips. Love shows itself, naturally, in 
language. ‘Out of the abundance of the 
heart the mouth speaketh,” is the gracious 
order of God in the salvation of a soul. 
This impulse of the Spirit must be imme- 
diately encouraged and not stifled. The soul 
that receives Christ must confess him before 
men. Testimony is the abiding fruit of the 
Spirit in the heart. When the soul shows 
evidence of saving faith, he should be given 
an early, and if possible, frequent and habit- 
ual opportunity to witness his faith and joy. 
This habit will brighten and establish the 
witness of the Spirit. This exercise should 
attend the altar service. Get the soul on his 
feet. Ask him formally with others to 
confess; or induce him to tell his faith to 
one or more friends. The ‘‘ hand stretched 
forth in presence of them all” was healed. 
The uttered peace flames into joy, and a 
victory over temptation is gained. 

The secondary advantage of the word of 


TESTIMONY AND PRAISE. 117 


witness is the effect upon the doubting or 
formal soul who hears. It stimulates others 
to seek the assurance of grace Value of 

more than an hour’s discourse Testimony. 
upon the witness of the Spirit. It entertains 
and holds the attention of saint, sinner, 
and ritualist. If perchance the joy of love 
bursts into a shout of praise with physical 
demonstrations, a few may be shocked, but 
more will be convicted, pleased, and awed. 
If genuine, it is the manifestation of the 
Spirit, and is the presence of God in the 
burning bramble. The bush glows, but is 
not consumed. Let none be alarmed. Trust 
God to use his own argument. Only rare 
cases of chronic or nervous excess need be 
controlled, and then in a gentle manner so 
as not to quench the Spirit, or needlessly 
offend his little ones. Some may go forth to 
mock, but more will return to inquire, and 
unconsciously charmed and awakened, will 
begin to pray. Testimony is one of the arms 
of power in revival work. The early Meth- 


118 Sout-WInners’ SECRETs. 


odist fathers were experts in building revival 
flames by the use of the kindling wood of 
fresh testimony. A few live, warm-hearted 
witnesses taken from one neighborhood to 
another prove of more value than many pre- 
paratory sermons. 

That the power of testimony by the newly 
saved should ever degenerate into mere talk, 
_ Degenerate 18 2 Sad comment on the weakness 

Testimony. of human nature, possibly of 
human teachers. To maintain it at its 
normal power, there must be a progressive 
experience and fresh supplies of the Spirit. 
If stagnation or slumber overtakes the soul, 
however telling his former testimony, it will 
soon become tedious or tame, then finally 
taper off into either silence, objections to 
class-meetings, excuses from cross-bearing, 
or into skeptic censure of ‘‘obsolete revi- 
vals.” This proves, as nothing else, the ne- 
cessity of perpetuating the witness stand in 
our Churches. It is next in importance to 
the altar. It is as needful in a Church as in 


Testmony AND PRaIsE. 119 


a courtroom. Some form of the testimony 
habit must be kept up. Fre~h bestowals of 
the Spirit always make it easy to witness. 
Such renewals and anointings, or epochs in 
consecration, must be secured as will cause 
hearts to flame and lips to open. Here is an- 
other secret of the soul-winner. As members 
multiply and opportunities decrease, the 
witness department must find a place in our 
method and organization. The class-meet- 
ing may become disused, but the coming 
Methodist must be a witness as well as a 
worker. This alone will preserve an atmos- 
phere of prayer, promote conviction, insure 
progress, and prevent death. As a guard 
against decline, and as a signal of alarm, we 
ought to discern and be. ashamed of mere 
talk as a substitute for testimony. The 
witness is a reporter, not a speech- Talk a poor 
maker. Testimony has to deal ays = 

with facts, experience, revelations Testimony. 

of the Spirit, blessing in prayer, inspired 
thoughts and feelings. ‘‘I will declare what 


120 SovuL-WInNERS’ SECRETS. 


the Lord hath done for my soul.” Reticence 
of Christ’s gifts is neither xsthetic or safe, 
nor is testimony less complimentary to the 
witness than a speech or exhortation. In- 
deed, there are more talkers in many Churches 
than witnesses. A good witness is often a 
more valuable helper of souls than a good 
talker. Hxhortation has its place, and should 
be encouraged. Even reminiscence is useful 
at times, but a praise-meeting will prove a 
failure if the glow of fresh testimony does 
not, like Mary’s alabaster box, perfume the 
whole room and magnify the Lord Jesus. 
Betterthan LO distinguish and rule out all 
Discussion. spurious evidence, is the business 
of the wise leader of meetings. ‘To secure 
and utilize testimony is the most valuable 
method of promoting the revival spirit. Our 
Leagues should not allow their ‘‘topics” to 
beget mere talk or discussion. Call for 
testimony often, keep the witness corner 
warm. ‘‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all 
flesh, and your sons and your daughters 


TESTIMONY AND PRAISE. Wit 


shall prophesy.” This is the evidence of 
Pentecostal life. It is our only hope. 

In the conduct of a revival, regular 
League meeting, or Sunday-school, the intro- 
duction of a brief testimony-serv- The Place 
ice by select or voluntary wit- Waal 
nesses will prove a great blessing Meeting. 
and stimulant. Let the exercises of testi- 
mony be as prevalent as song-services. A 
witness-meeting is a splendid preface or 
conclusion to sermon, lesson-study, or pro- 
gram. It may blend with songs, though it 
should not be spoiled with too much singing; 
nor should the witnesses expect the compli- 
ment of a song to conclude their words. Be- 
ware of mere compliment in all soul-saving 
work. Several may be requested to testify 
in order without song. Blocks of three or 
five may often be utilized by requesting that 
many witnesses rise at once. Brevity may 
sometimes be urged, and again the details of 
experience should be encouraged. Occasion- 
ally ask all who have not spoken to arise 


122 Sovut-WINNERS’ SECRETS. 


and remain standing, taking their turn in © 
order as witnesses. If the spirit of testimony 
is not present, it is equally fatal to show 
impatience with silence or sluggishness, and 
to draw the meeting out to reluctant death. 
Change the order or call out testimony by 
Drawing out general questions, such as ‘‘What 
Testimony. Jed you to Christ?”  ‘* What 
exercises have most helped your religious 
life?” ‘*Name two promises which have 
comforted you in private prayer;” ‘‘ Give 
some spiritual blessing for which you can 
now praise the Lord;” ‘‘ How do you know 
Jesus saves you?” All such promptings 
should be plainly suggested and definitely 
urged upon your hearers. Hesitation in 
response is not always the evidence of ab- 
sence of love and spiritual life. 

In private conversation, similar exercises 
may be started, and may prove helpful both 
to questioner and questioned. ‘‘ How does 
your soul prosper?” is a pertinent, social 
question often to be asked among those who 


TrsTIMONY AND PRAISE. 123 


would carry sharp and ready sickles for the 
harvest-field. 

To appreciate properly a good testimony 
by looking. the witness in the eye, gently 
commenting, never rebuking, but you 
often instructing by personal or Embarrass- 
general reference to what was ™"™ 
said, is the soul of wisdom. To call for 
witnesses by other forms of confession 
than by voice, may often strengthen the 
professors and relieve the weak ones of 
temptation. Hence, it is often useful to 
secure, by silent rising or other concerted 
action, the confession of those more timid 
or tardy, crowning such expression with a 
suitable hymn, Scriptural or other vocal 
utterance in concert. To close, at the right 
time, a witness-meeting is as important as 
to begin or conduct it. If the Spirit be 
present, and opportunity favorable, follow 
effective testimony with prayer and con- 
fession. 

The duty of holding fast the profession 


124 Sovut-Winners’ SEoreEts. 


of our faith should be urged on all believers. 
‘* The fruit of our lips, even praise unto the 
Excuses Lord,” is as pleasing to Christ as 
Overcome. the fruit of our life. The common 
excuses for not speaking are well known: 
“<T can not speak;” ‘‘Would rather hear 
others;” ‘‘ Want my life to witness;” ‘‘ Do 
not believe in class-meetings;” ‘* Was never 
reared to it;” ‘‘ Confuses my mind to try to 
speak ;” but all these can be quickly answered, 
and the obligation, privilege, and possibility 
made clear; but argument or prodding is of 
little advantage if the spirit of testimony is 
absent. Better call to prayer and heart 
searching than force mechanical and empty 
testimonies. A dry and formal speaking- 
meeting is more objectionable than a prayer- 
meeting of similar type. If the heart is full 
the mouth will open. ‘‘ Open thou my lips, 
and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.” 
Next in importance to the fact and 
frequency of testimony is its definiteness. 
If the seeker has sought pardon, he should 


TESTIMONY AND PRAISE. 125 


confess his peace; if purity, he should utter 
his faith for cleansing. The more definite 
the testimony, the stronger the 1. <timony 
faith, and clearer the vision of mest be 
doctrine. Confused and indefinite Pct 
confession will darken counsel and muddle 
theology. Methodist faith and testimony 
must keep abreast. They are, as Bishop 
Taylor used to say, the two blades of the 
shears and only work well together. Omit 
either, and you have poor cutting with a 
ragged edge. Without insisting on a mere 
shibboleth of terms, we must honor, and 
never show that we are ashamed of God’s 
words. If we do, he will be ashamed of us. 
We shall thus forfeit both joy and power, 
and lose the vision of truth. Herein is the 
secret and cause of much spiritual decline; 
alas! it is often the beginning of heresy. 


DEEPER QUESTIONS. 


What is the spirit of prophecy ? Contrast 
wrophetic inspiration with personal inspir- 


126 SovuL-WInners’ SECRETS. 


ation by the same Holy Spirit. What are 
reasons for definite doctrinal testimony? 
How revive the habit of testimony among 
obsolete witnesses? What elements of the 
Methodist class-meeting are still available, 
everywhere, and how secured? Compare 
“‘dead words” with ‘‘dead works,” in 
Hebrews ix, 14. 


X1V. 
CHILDREN’S MEETINGS. 


{ 


Dr. Hoxntanp said there were more 
chances, a thousand-fold, of obtaining con- 
Childhood Verts among children than from 
the best Soll. among adults. Some years ago 
the late Dr. C. H. Payne took the census of 
a select congregation containing 784 Chris- 
tians. Of these, none were converted over 
eighty years. Between fifty and eighty 
years, but two, or one in four hundred; be- 
tween forty and fifty years, 15, or one in 
fifty; from thirty to forty, 42, or one in 
fourteen; from twenty to thirty, 125, or one 
in six; under twenty years, 600, or one in two, 
and most of these under fifteen years. Out of 
one Conference of 215 Methodist ministers, 
127 


128 SouL-WInNERS’ SECRETS. 


the average age of conversion was found to be 
fifteen years. If such facts contain approx- 
imate truth, the conversion of children is all 
important. Personal effort and meetings on 
their behalf can not be overvalued. If the 
world is to be saved, we must save and train 
the children. The child heart is by far the 
most fertile and economic soil for the seed 
of truth. 

The above statements explain the high es- 
timate placed upon children’s meetings by 
modern soul-winners. The Junior League 
must have a co-ordinate, not a mere sub- 
ordinate, rank in the revival methods of the 
Church. 

Meetings for children are proportionately 
more fruitful than meetings for adults. 

Why More Children are more shy of individ- 

Fruitful? yal teaching, and more susceptible 
to influence from their associates than adults, 
hence the value of separate class efforts in 
both Sunday-school and League. 

Meetings for childhood conversion should 


Crrpren’s MEETINGs. 129 


usually be held separate from and parallel as 
to time with those for older people. Not 
that children should be excluded from gen- 
eral evangelistic services. Indeed their pres- 
ence and their response to the Spirit are 
often a splendid feeder of a revival. They 
are good kindling to start a fire, or keep it 
going. Daily, during special epochs, meet- 
ings may wisely be arranged especially for the 
youth from six to fifteen years. To conduct 
them wisely, a rare order of tact and ability 
is needed. The chief essential . 5.) ua 
qualifications are a faith in child- Quattfica- 
hood, a love for the child, and “%™"* 
confidence in the promise, ‘‘All thy children 
shall be taught of the Lord.” The rest may 
be learned; and learning it well, the soul- 
winner has found the secret of a starry 
crown. 

A few vital rules must be constantly re- 
garded in getting children to seek and serve 
Christ. These principles must either be ap- 
plied in private or public instruction. 


130 Sout -Winners’ SECRETS. 


First. Prepare the way by-prayer. The 
meeting itself must be prayed for and 
ripened by faith. If there be little 
or no prayer in their homes the 
greater need of it as a preface to any success- 
ful service. A spiritually warm room is 
especially needed for the lambs of the flock. 
Second. Fix the child’s attention. Nothing 
can be done without it. The eye, the ear, 
the imagination, the sensibilities, 
are all avenues to the youthful 
heart. Your own eye is the best policeman 
to arrest attention. Keep a bright eye your- 
self. Object lessons are always good. They 
furnish frames for Scripture pictures of 
truth. Music is always useful, but must be 
used with greater variety and flexibility than 
with older persons. A child-winner should 
be a tune-leader. Book songs, memory and 
' gesture songs, often rivet attention when 
other methods fail. These must be at the 
tongue’s end ready for use in every emer- 
gency and as frequent flashes of surprise. 


Prayer. 


Attention. 


Critpren’s MEerines. 181 


The story from the Bible, the incident from 
experience, the simile from nature, each has 
its place, and, like the devices of the pho- 
tographer for holding an infant quiet until 
the impression is made, should all be used as 
needed. 

Third. There must be fe. None discerns 
so quickly as a child, the difference between 
a lively and a dull meeting. A 
little spice, humor, question, or 
illustration, is needed in variety to keep up 
with the lively and exuberant temperament 
of children. 

Fourth. Teach sin and salvation. Enter- 
tainment merely is the blunder of the aver- 
age children’s meeting. They whatto 
may have a ‘“‘ good time,” and yet Teach. 
be unawakened and their hearts really un- 
touched. Their souls must be stirred. Pic- 
tures and facts of sin must be strongly 
though briefly put before them. In this 
you may rely upon God’s Word and Spirit as 
with older hearts, Concrete examples are 


Life. 


132 SovuL-WInnNERS’ SECRETS. 


much better than abstract statements. You 
must illustrate until they see the point. 
Draw them out and entertain by questions. 
Having gotten their attention and confidence, 
talk to them of sin, disobedience, punish- 
ment, pardon, peace, happiness, and love. 
Their relation to parents and teachers has al- 
ready prepared them for instruction as to God 
the Father, and Jesus the Savior. Jesus is the 
drawing magnet for boys and girls. They 
take quickly to the story of his death, his 
promises, his love. Motives of fear, thanks- 
giving, sorrow, and hope, are quickly awak- 
ened in the child’s scul; hence you need not 
dwell long. Expect quick returns in a chil- 
dren’s meeting, and do not assume the results 
shallow or superficial on that account. 
Fifth. Secure decision and give instruc- 
tion. Make your call and inquiries so simple 
that all may understand. Avoid big words 
or theological terms. Scripture phrases may 
always be trusted. They are so inspired 
that neither fools nor children need err 


CuiLtpren’s MEEtInes. 133 


therein. Find out by question or vote who 
is sorry for sin, or desires to seek Jesus. 
Never herd children to the altar, tow to 
nor yet make it hard for them to _ Invite. 
come. Guard and warn, but welcome them 
on their individual decision. Make it a 
solemn moment when they decide to seek 
their Savior. Recognize their will, and as- 
sume in all your words that they are old 
enough toact. Theyare. Let them feel it. 
Speak privately to those who give evidence 
of penitence. Be plain with those who show 
pride and rebellion. Talk briefly, and urge 
by word and song, and get every one to face 
his own personal duty to Jesus that hour. 
Invite to the altar, then have all kneel, close 
eyes and talk with Christ in prayer. 

Wise private instruction is more necessary 
for children than with adults. The best 
helpers are needed. Quick, sim- gest instruc- 
ple words of help must be given, tlon Needed. 
Tender plants need careful handling. If 
there were as many expert soul-winners 


134 Sout-WinneErs’ SECRETS. 


as Sunday-school teachers, how soon would 
our nurseries become orchards! Our youth 
would become rapid witnesses and faithful 
workers. 

In the absence of helpers, concerted in- 
struction may be given. Prayer may be put 
into their mouths and confession secured 
with better effect. They are more teach- 
able and obedient than old penitents, and 
more sincere in what they do. Their hearts 
are not so deceitful. They surrender sooner. 
They believe and get blessed more quickly, 
and often with less emotion, but with 
equally stable results of faith. 

Sixth. Urge confession and Church duty. 
Confession in a child after conversion is 
as necessary as in the adult. Expect only 
child life and experience; but teach them 
to bear the cross, to speak and pray aloud, 
to begin and continue as followers of Jesus. 
Church membership, baptism, converting 
the world by our prayers and gifts, are all 
lines of duty easily appreciated by children. 


CHILDREN’s MEETINGS. \135 


Classes for their instruction and training 
in good Christian habits should no more 
be neglected than public preaching or the 
prayer-meeting. Even the art of hand-shak- 
ing should be taught our Juniors. Those 
who can sing should be taught to do so, and 
habits of testimony should be urged on them 
as faithfully as piano practice upon those 
who would learn music. But es- 5.01, them 
pecially should they be taught how to win 

to secure blessing in prayer, and brits 5 
how to invite other young friends to Jesus. 
No more beautiful sight than a child soul- 
winner. Our Junior Leagues ought to grow 
them, and graduate leaders in soul-saving 
work. Those who early learn to gather 
sheaves in the harvest-field will later be able 
to shock the grain, or drive the great reapers. 
‘‘And they shall be mine, saith Fina 
the Lord of hosts, in that day Reward. 
when I make up my jewels; and I will spare 
them as a man spareth his own son that 
serveth him.” 


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